One degree of longitude will only equal 60 nm where?

Prepare for the Boatswain’s Mate Chief (BMC) SWE Exam with in-depth study materials and multiple-choice questions. Enhance your understanding with well-explained hints and explanations. Ready yourself to excel!

Multiple Choice

One degree of longitude will only equal 60 nm where?

Explanation:
The distance represented by one degree of longitude depends on latitude. At the equator, the longitude lines are farthest apart, so one degree spans about 60 nautical miles (the Earth’s equatorial circumference is about 21,600 nautical miles, and 21,600/360 = 60). As you move away from the equator, the lines converge and a degree of longitude covers fewer nautical miles, specifically 60 × cos(latitude). At the poles, the lines meet, so the distance per degree goes to zero. Therefore, the location where one degree of longitude equals 60 nautical miles is the equator.

The distance represented by one degree of longitude depends on latitude. At the equator, the longitude lines are farthest apart, so one degree spans about 60 nautical miles (the Earth’s equatorial circumference is about 21,600 nautical miles, and 21,600/360 = 60). As you move away from the equator, the lines converge and a degree of longitude covers fewer nautical miles, specifically 60 × cos(latitude). At the poles, the lines meet, so the distance per degree goes to zero. Therefore, the location where one degree of longitude equals 60 nautical miles is the equator.

More Multiple Choice Questions
Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy