Earth terminology

Question 1

The poles

Answer 1

Defined as the extremities of the diameter about which the earth rotates

Question 2

Great Circle

Answer 2

Largest circle that can be drawn on the surface of the earth or on any sphere

Question 3

Equator

Answer 3

A great circle which is perpendicular to the axis of rotation and equidistant from both poles

Question 4

Parallels of latitude

Answer 4

Small circles that are parallel to the equator angular distance from the equator from the centre of the earth

Question 5

Nautical mile

Answer 5

Length of arc of a great circle that subtends one minute at the centre of the earth

Question 6

True direction

Answer 6

Direction measured clockwise from your true north

Question 7

Magnetic direction

Answer 7

Direction measured clockwise from magnetic north

Question 8

Variation

Answer 8

The angular distance between Sue and magnetic direction at any point on the earth’s surface

Question 9

Deviation

Answer 9

Errors between magnetic direction and compass direction cause by local magnetic field