How traveling 1nmi along a meridian generates a change of lattitude ....

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the relationship between meridians and latitude, specifically how traveling 1 nautical mile (1 nmi) along a meridian results in a change of latitude. Meridians are defined as the imaginary lines connecting the North and South Poles, while latitude lines run perpendicular to them. The Earth's circumference is approximately 24,901 miles, which translates to 360 degrees or 21,600 minutes of arc, making each minute of arc approximately 1.15 miles. This fundamental understanding is crucial for navigation and geographic calculations.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of geographic coordinates, specifically latitude and longitude.
  • Basic knowledge of the Earth's circumference and its measurement.
  • Familiarity with angular measurements, including degrees and minutes of arc.
  • Concept of nautical miles and their application in navigation.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the mathematical calculations for converting degrees to nautical miles.
  • Explore the concept of geodesy and its relevance to Earth measurements.
  • Learn about the differences between latitude and longitude in navigation.
  • Investigate the historical development of meridian definitions and their impact on navigation.
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for geographers, navigators, students of Earth sciences, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of navigation and geographic coordinate systems.

Magnetons
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Homework Statement
A nautical mile (nmi) equals 1.151 mi, or 1852 m. Show that
the distance of 1 nmi along a meridian of the Earth corre-
sponds to a change in latitude of 1 minute of arc.
Relevant Equations
Unit of length.
can't understand
 
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Do you know what a meridian is and how it relates to latitude?
There are 60 minutes to a degree. How far is it around the Earth? If you travel only one mInute of arc around the Earth, how far have you gone?
 
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I only know about the meridians, Meridians are the imaginary lines that connect the north pole to the south pole.
360degree=60*360 minutes=21600 minutes.
 
Magnetons said:
Meridians are the imaginary lines that connect the north pole to the south pole.
Right, also known as lines of longitude. Latitude runs the other way, so as you travel along a meridian you cross lines of latitude.
Look up the circumference of the Earth. If a circumference goes around 360 degrees, what fraction of that is one minute?
 
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1/21660
 
Magnetons said:
1/21660
Small error there.
When you've corrected that, what does that equate to in miles or metres?
 
Sorry, I can't understand what you saying.
 
Magnetons said:
Sorry, I can't understand what you saying.
360x60 is not 21660.
What is the circumference of the Earth, in miles or km?
If that corresponds to 360 degrees, what distance corresponds to one minute of arc?
 
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