What does the term "latitude" measure?

The term "latitude" specifically measures the distance north or south of the Equator, which is defined as 0 degrees latitude. It is expressed in degrees, with the North Pole at 90 degrees north and the South Pole at 90 degrees south. Latitude lines, also known as parallels, run horizontally around the Earth and are crucial for navigation, climate classification, and understanding geographical locations. This measurement helps in pinpointing locations on Earth's surface relative to the equator, influencing factors such as climate and daylight duration.

Understanding latitude is essential for geographic studies as it informs many aspects of human activity, including agriculture, transportation, and settlement patterns, based on climatic zones associated with different latitudes.