Question

$66 \dfrac{1}{2}$°N latitude is known as_____________.
A) Arctic circle
B) Antarctic circle
C) Tropic of Cancer
D) Tropic of Capricorn

Answer 1

Hint: Latitudes represent the measurement of distance towards north or south of the Equator. The measurement is done with the help of 180 imaginary lines that form circles around the Earth east-west, parallel to the Equator. These lines are referred to as parallels. The Equator represents the 0° latitude.

Complete answer:
The five major lines of latitude, also known as the five major circles of latitude, represent specific points on a globe or Earth’s map. These lines are – Arctic circle, Antarctic Circle, Equator, Tropic of Cancer, and the Tropic of Capricorn. The Equator represents the 0° latitude and is the initial point when referring to other points in terms of degrees north and degrees south.

Now let us look into the given options:
Option A) Arctic circle: It is an imaginary line called latitude that circles the Earth at approximately 66 ½ ° N of the Equator. Everything north of the Arctic circle is referred to as the ‘Arctic region’, while the zone just to the south of this circle is referred to as the ‘North Temperate Zone'. The Arctic Circle marks the latitude above which the sun does not set on the summer solstice (21 June), and does not rise on the winter solstice (14 December). Thus, it is the correct option.

Option B) Antarctic circle: It is the line of latitude that circles the Earth at approximately 66 ½ ° S of the Equator. Any area that lies within the Antarctic Circle experiences at least 24 hours of continuous daylight on the Summer Solstice in December, and at least 24 hours of continuous night time on the Winter Solstice in June. The Antarctic circle divides the ‘South Frigid Zone' and the ‘South Temperate Zone'. Thus, it is the incorrect option.

Option C) Tropic of Cancer: It is a parallel latitude that circles the Earth at 23 ½ °N of the Equator. It represents the most northerly latitude on Earth at which the Sun appears directly overhead at noon. This event takes place on ‘June solstice', due to the maximum tilting of the northern hemisphere towards the sun. Thus, it is the incorrect option.

Option D. Tropic of Capricorn: It is a parallel latitude that circles the Earth at 23 ½ °S of the Equator. It represents the most southerly latitude on Earth at which the Sun can appear directly overhead at noon. This event takes place on ‘December solstice', due to the maximum tilting of the southern hemisphere towards the sun. Thus, it is the incorrect option.

Thus, the correct answer is Option ‘A’ i.e, Arctic circle.

Note: While the equator divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres, it is the “Prime Meridian” which divides the Earth into Western and Eastern Hemispheres. Prime Meridian marks the 0° longitude. The Eastern Hemisphere comprises Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, while the Western Hemisphere consists of North and South America.