The angle between the magnetic meridian and the geographical meridian...
The angle between the magnetic meridian and the geographical meridian is called magnetic declination.
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The angle between the magnetic meridian and the geographical meridian...
Understanding Declination
The angle between the magnetic meridian and the geographical meridian is known as declination. Let's delve into this concept for better understanding.
Definitions
- Magnetic Meridian: This is the direction that a compass points, which aligns with the Earth’s magnetic field.
- Geographical Meridian: This is the direction towards the North Pole, based on the Earth's rotation and geographic coordinates.
Significance of Declination
- Declination measures the difference in angle between where a compass points (magnetic north) and true north (geographical north).
- It varies by location and changes over time due to shifts in the Earth's magnetic field, which is essential for navigation and mapping.
Other Related Terms
- Dip: Refers to the angle at which magnetic field lines enter the Earth. It is different from declination.
- Latitude: This is the geographical coordinate that specifies the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface and does not directly relate to magnetic orientation.
- Azimuth: This is an angular measurement in a spherical coordinate system, often used in navigation but is not the angle between the magnetic and geographical meridians.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer to the question is option 'B' - Declination, as it specifically refers to the angle between the magnetic meridian and the geographical meridian, which is crucial for understanding navigational discrepancies.