Form of the Earth

Question 1

Describe a Great Circle?

Answer 1

A circle drawn on the surface of the Earth whose radius and centre are the same as the Earth’s.

Question 2

Describe a Small Circle

Answer 2

A circle drawn on the surface of the Earth whose radius and centre are not the same as the Earth’s.

Question 3

Describe the equator

Answer 3

A great circle whose plane is perpendicular to the Earth’s axis of rotation and which divides the Earth into two equal hemispheres.

Question 4

Describe a Meridian

Answer 4

A semi-great circle joining the poles.

Question 5

Describe a Rhumb Line

Answer 5

A regularly curved line on the surface of the Earth that cuts all meridians at the same angle.

Question 6

In nm, what is 1 minute of arc?

Answer 6

1nm

Question 7

In degrees, what is 60 minutes?

Answer 7

1 degree

Question 8

In nm, what is 1 degree?

Answer 8

60nm

Question 9

Define a nm

Answer 9

The distance on the surface of the Earth along a Great Circle which subtends an angle of 1minute of arc measured at the centre of the Earth.

Question 10

What is 1nm in miles?

Answer 10

1nm = 1.15miles

Question 11

What is 1nm in km?

Answer 11

1nm = 1.85km

Question 12

What is 1m in ft?

Answer 12

1m = 3.28ft