Lessons 12 · 1 lessons · P. Gulyamov, R. Qurbonniyozov, M. Avezov, N. Saidova. Geography (Introductory Course of Physical Geography), Grade 5. Revised and expanded 5th edition. “Mitti yulduz”, Tashkent, 2020
12
Practical work: the degree grid and coordinates
Textbook: §12, pp. 41–42
GoalUse the degree grid to find hemispheres and coordinates and to find objects from coordinates.
New words
hemisphere · yarimsharnorth latitude · shimoliy kenglikwest longitude · g‘arbiy uzunlikdegree grid · daraja to‘ri
Explanation
To find a point’s hemisphere, first find which side of the equator it is on (north or south), then which side of the Prime Meridian (east or west). To read a coordinate, read the degrees of the parallel and meridian through the point: latitude first, then longitude. If coordinates are given, find that parallel and meridian and look at where they cross. Examples: Cairo ≈ 30° N, 31° E; Beijing ≈ 40° N, 116° E; Canberra ≈ 35° S, 149° E; Mount Everest ≈ 28° N, 87° E (approximate values; exact numbers come from the atlas). If two points lie on the same meridian or parallel, we find the angular distance between them by subtracting.
Worked examples
The point 10° S, 60° E lies in the Indian Ocean (north-east of Madagascar): in the Southern and Eastern Hemispheres.
The point 0° latitude, 0° longitude is in the Gulf of Guinea near Africa’s west coast, where the equator meets the Prime Meridian.
Class activity
“Treasure hunt”: the teacher gives cards with coordinates (for example 28° N, 87° E); groups find the point in the atlas and say what it is.
Practice
1
Points A (15° S, 40° W) and B (50° N, 20° E). In which hemispheres?
A – Southern and Western; B – Northern and Eastern.
2
Two points lie on one meridian: one at 30° N and the other at 50° N. What is the difference in degrees?
20
3
What is the longitude difference in degrees between Tashkent (≈ 69° E) and Beijing (≈ 116° E)?
47
4
Why is latitude written before longitude? Is this rule based on agreement?
It is an international convention: if everyone writes in the same order, we avoid confusion.