Geography: Earth and Its Lines

Study Notes

Earth Overview

Imaginary Lines: Latitude and longitude are crucial for navigation and geography.
Latitudes: Horizontal lines running from East to West, measuring how far north or south a location is from the Equator.
Equator: Located at zero degrees latitude, it divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
Longitudes: Vertical lines running from North to South, measuring distances from the Prime Meridian.
Prime Meridian: Established in Greenwich City; serves as the reference line for time zones and global navigation.

Rotation and Time

Rotation: Earth’s rotation leads to the alternation of day and night.
Time Zones: The world consists of 24 time zones; countries may have several zones. Indonesia has three:
- WIB: West Indonesia Time
- WITA: Central Indonesia Time
- WIT: East Indonesia Time

Revolution and Year

Revolution: The Earth’s journey around the Sun defines the year.
Perihelion: The point when Earth is closest to the Sun, resulting in increased light and faster revolution.
Aphelion: The point when Earth is farthest from the Sun, leading to decreased light and slower revolution.
Year Length: One complete revolution takes approximately 365.25 days. The extra ¼ day is adjusted in February every four years (leap year).
Calendars:
- Gregorian/Solar Calendar aligns with Earth's revolution.
- Lunar Calendar follows the moon's phases.

Seasons

Tilted Axis: Earth's axial tilt causes seasonality as it revolves around the Sun.
Regions with Direct Sunlight: Experience two seasons per year: rainy and dry.
Polar Regions: Receive variable sunlight, leading to distinct winter seasons.
Solstice: Extreme points in sunlight distribution, resulting in the longest and shortest days.
Equinox: Occurs when both hemispheres receive equal daylight and nighttime.

Moon Characteristics

Moon Structure: Composed of craters, cliffs, and barren areas. It has lower gravity than Earth.
Temperature Variations: High during the day and low at night.
Revolution Duration: The Moon revolves around the Earth in about 27.3 days, appearing to complete a full cycle relative to the Sun in about 29 days (lunar month).
Rotation: The Moon rotates on its axis in 27.3 days, aligning with its revolution period.

Tides

Definition: Tides refer to the rise and fall of sea levels, influenced by gravitational forces and Earth's rotation.
Causing Factors:
- The gravitational pull of the Moon.
- Rotational force of the Earth.
Types of Tides:
- Spring Tide: Occurs during new and full moons when Sun, Moon, and Earth align.
- Neap Tide: Occurs when the Moon is perpendicular to the Sun and Earth.

Eclipse Phenomena

Eclipses: Result from the relative positions of the Moon, Earth, and Sun.
Shadow Types: Eclipses involve an umbra (dark shadow) and penumbra (light shadow).
Lunar Eclipse Types:
- Penumbral: Moon passes through Earth's penumbral shadow.
- Partial: Part of the Moon enters the umbra while another remains in the penumbra.
- Total: Entire Moon is within Earth's umbra.
Solar Eclipse Types:
- Total: Moon fully obstructs the Sun, casting a shadow on Earth.
- Partial: Only a section of the Sun is blocked by the Moon.
- Annular: A ring of sunlight surrounds the Moon, occurring when it's at its farthest point from Earth.

Description

This quiz covers the essential concepts of Earth's imaginary lines, focusing on latitudes and longitudes. Learn about the Equator, Prime Meridian, and how these concepts affect global time zones and the occurrence of day and night. Test your understanding of these fundamental geographical principles.