Great Circles and Rhumb Lines Flashcards
1
Q
What is a great circle?
A
Any circle around the earth which has a diameter and circumference equal to the earths
2
Q
What is the most direct route between 2 points?
A
The arc of the great circle
3
Q
What is the word for 2 positions separated by 180 degrees of longitude?
A
Antipodal
4
Q
What i the disadvantage of great circles?
A
Continuously changing heading
5
Q
What is a small circle?
A
A circle with a diameter and circumference smaller than the earths which gives a route with a constant heading direction
6
Q
What is a rhumb line?
A
A line which intersects every meridian at the same angle
7
Q
In the northern/souther hemisphere where do great circles lie in relation to rhumb lines?
A
Great circles always lie on the polar side of the rhumb line
