02. Globe : Latitude and Longitude Class 6 Chapter 2 NCERT notes for CBSE

Welcome to class 6 Chapter 2 Geography globe with latitude and longitude – Class 6 NCERT notes for CBSE.

Introduction

In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of Earth’s latitudes and longitudes. We’ll learn about the shape of our planet, the importance of globes, and how these imaginary lines help us pinpoint locations on Earth’s surface.

The Shape of the Earth

• Earth is not a perfect sphere. It’s slightly flattened at the North and South Poles and bulges in the middle.
• Imagine it like a slightly squished ball. You can check out a globe in your classroom to see this.

What is a Globe?

• globe with latitude and longitude
• A globe is a miniature model of the Earth, representing it in a spherical form.
• Globes come in various sizes, from large ones that can’t be easily carried to small pocket globes and inflatable globe-like balloons.

Key Takeaway: Earth’s Shape

• Earth is not a perfect sphere but slightly flattened at the poles and bulging in the middle.

Imaginary Lines: Latitude and Longitude

Latitude – Finding Your Way North and South

• To locate places on Earth, we need points of reference and lines.
• A needle through the globe’s center represents the axis. The two points where the needle exits are the North and South Poles.
• The Earth moves around its imaginary axis.
• Another essential line on the globe is the equator, dividing Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Key Takeaway: Latitude

• The equator is the reference line for measuring latitude.
• North of the equator is the Northern Hemisphere, and south is the Southern Hemisphere.

Longitude – Pinpointing East and West

• Unlike latitude, longitude lines are not of equal length.
• The Prime Meridian, located in Greenwich, England, serves as the starting point for measuring longitude.
• Longitudes are measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds.
• Places east of the Prime Meridian are labeled E (East), and those west are labeled W (West).

Key Takeaway: Longitude

• The Prime Meridian is the reference line for measuring longitude.
• East and west longitudes help us pinpoint locations.

Heat Zones of the Earth

Torrid Zone

• The area between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn.
• Receives maximum heat and is known for its tropical climate.

Temperate Zones

• Located between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Cancer in the Northern Hemisphere and the Antarctic Circle and the Tropic of Capricorn in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Features moderate temperatures.

Frigid Zones

• Found between the Arctic Circle and the North Pole in the Northern Hemisphere and the Antarctic Circle and the South Pole in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Extremely cold regions with slanting sunlight.

Key Takeaway: Heat Zones

• Torrid, Temperate, and Frigid Zones are based on latitude and receive varying levels of heat.

Time Zones and Standard Time

• Earth has 24 time zones, each covering 15 degrees of longitude.
• The Prime Meridian in Greenwich serves as the reference for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
• India follows Indian Standard Time (IST), based on the 82.5°E meridian.

Time Difference

• The time difference between countries is due to their longitudes.
• India is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of GMT.

Importance of Standard Time

• Standard time helps create consistent schedules, especially for transportation.

Key Takeaway: Time Zones

• Time zones are created to manage time differences across the globe.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the shape of the Earth?

• Earth is not a perfect sphere but slightly flattened at the poles and bulging in the middle.

2. What is a globe?

• A globe is a miniature model of the Earth, representing it in a spherical form.

3. What is latitude?

• Latitude is a system of lines used to measure distances north and south of the equator.

4. What is longitude?

• Longitude lines are used to measure distances east and west of the Prime Meridian.

5. What are the heat zones of the Earth?

• The Earth has three heat zones: Torrid, Temperate, and Frigid Zones.

6. What is the Prime Meridian?

• The Prime Meridian, located in Greenwich, England, serves as the starting point for measuring longitude.

7. How are time zones determined?

• Time zones are based on longitude, with the Prime Meridian serving as the reference for Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

8. Why do we need standard time?

• Standard time helps create consistent schedules, especially for transportation.

9. How is Indian Standard Time (IST) determined?

• IST is based on the 82.5°E meridian, serving as the standard for India.

10. What is the time difference between India and England?

• India is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of England (GMT).

Conclusion

Understanding the concepts of latitudes, longitudes, and the Earth’s heat zones is essential to navigate and make sense of our planet’s diverse geography. Whether you’re a student or simply curious about the world, this knowledge will help you appreciate the intricacies of Earth’s global design.

This was the end of Welcome to class 6 Chapter 2 Geography – globe with latitude and longitude – Class 6 NCERT notes for CBSE.

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