Class 6 Geography Chapter 2 Question Answers - Globe: Latitudes and Longitudes

Case 1: Exploring the Globe

Sara is a curious student studying geography, and she's learning about globes, latitudes, and longitudes. She's come across some information and has a few questions based on what she's learned. Can you help her answer these very short questions?

Q1: What is the primary advantage of using a globe in geography studies?
Ans: The primary advantage of using a globe in geography studies is that it accurately represents the Earth's shape and the relationship between its features.

Q2: Name one disadvantage of using a globe for detailed geographic research.
Ans: One disadvantage of using a globe is that it cannot provide detailed information about specific regions like towns, cities, or roads.

Q3: Explain the role of the Equator on a globe. How does it divide the Earth?
Ans: The Equator is the imaginary line on the globe that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Q4: Describe two important parallels of latitude and their significance.
Ans: Two important parallels of latitude are the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn, which are significant because they mark the northernmost and southernmost points where the Sun appears directly overhead.

Q5: How does longitude relate to time, and why is the Prime Meridian significant in this context?
Ans: Longitude relates to time because the Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours, so every 15° of longitude corresponds to a 1-hour time difference. The Prime Meridian (0°) plays a crucial role in defining time zones.

Case 2: Time Zones and Standard Time

John is studying the concept of time zones and standard time. He's puzzled about why we have standard time and how it relates to longitudes. Help John answer these questions based on the information he's gathered.

Q6: Why do local times differ in places situated on different meridians?
Ans: Local times differ in places on different meridians due to the Earth's rotation, which causes varying solar noon times.

Q7: In India, which longitude is considered the standard meridian, and what is the local time there called?
Ans: In India, the longitude of 82.5°E is treated as the standard meridian, and the local time there is called Indian Standard Time (IST).

Q8: Explain the concept of time zones and how they are defined.
Ans: Time zones are defined by dividing the Earth into 24 segments, each covering 15° of longitude.

Q9: If you were in a place located 30 degrees east of the Prime Meridian, how many hours ahead or behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) would your local time be?
Ans: If you were 30 degrees east of the Prime Meridian, your local time would be 2 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Q10: When it's noon at the Prime Meridian, what time is it along that meridian, and why?
Ans: When it's noon at the Prime Meridian, it's mid-day or noon for all places along that meridian because they share the same longitude.

Case 3: Understanding Heat Zones

Liam is studying the heat zones of the Earth. He's curious about how latitudes are related to these heat zones and their characteristics. Can you help him answer his questions?

Q11: What are the heat zones of the Earth, and how are they divided based on latitude?
Ans: The heat zones of the Earth are divided based on latitude and include the Tropical Zone, Temperate Zone, and Polar Zone.

Q12: Explain the characteristics of the zones closest to the Equator in terms of temperature.
Ans: The zones closest to the Equator are characterized by high temperatures and relatively consistent warm weather.

Q13: Describe the features of the zones at high latitudes, such as the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle.
Ans: Zones at high latitudes, such as the Arctic Circle and Antarctic Circle, experience extreme cold, especially during their respective winters.

Q14: Why do the parallel circles of latitude get shorter as they move toward the poles?
Ans: Parallel circles of latitude get shorter as they move toward the poles because the Earth's circumference decreases towards the poles.

Q15: How does the tilt of the Earth's axis contribute to the changing seasons on our planet?
Ans: The tilt of the Earth's axis causes varying angles of sunlight, leading to the changing seasons on our planet.

Case 4: Globe Characteristics and Usefulness

Emma is fascinated by the globe and wants to learn more about its characteristics and limitations. She has some questions based on the information she's read. Can you provide concise answers?

Q16: List three advantages of using a globe in geography studies.
Ans: Advantages of using a globe include showing the Earth's true shape, explaining day and night, and depicting the tilt of the Earth's axis.

Q17: Identify one limitation or disadvantage of using a globe.
Ans: A limitation of the globe is that it cannot display detailed information like towns, cities, roads, or railways.

Q18: Explain the significance of the imaginary line known as the axis in a globe.
Ans: The axis in a globe is an imaginary line passing through its center, representing the Earth's rotational axis.

Q19: How does a globe help us understand the occurrence of day and night?
Ans: A globe helps us understand day and night by demonstrating how the Earth rotates on its axis, causing the Sun to appear to rise and set.

Q20: Why can't a globe be used to study specific details like towns, cities, roads, and railways?
Ans: A globe cannot be used for detailed studies of specific areas because it provides a broad overview of the Earth's features.

Case 5: Latitude and Longitude Basics

Daniel is just starting to learn about latitudes and longitudes on a globe. He's seeking clarification on some fundamental concepts. Can you provide simple and concise answers to his questions?

Q21: What is latitude, and how does it run around the Earth?
Ans: Latitude is an invisible horizontal line running around the Earth from east to west.

Q22: What is longitude, and how does it run around the Earth?
Ans: Longitude is an invisible vertical line running from north to south.

Q23: Which line represents the zero-degree latitude, and what is its significance?
Ans: The Equator represents the zero-degree latitude and divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

Q24: What is the Prime Meridian, and where is it located?
Ans: The Prime Meridian is the longitude of 0° and runs through Greenwich, UK.

Q25: If the Earth completes one full rotation in 24 hours, how many degrees of longitude does it pass through in one hour?
Ans: The Earth passes through 15° of longitude in one hour due to its 360° rotation, leading to time differences between locations east and west of the Prime Meridian.