Using relevant sketches, distinguish between
(a) solstice and equinox
B. the earth’s rotation and revolution
C. parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude
Explanation
(a) Equinox and Solstice:
(i) Equinox means equal days and equal nights while solstice means longer days in summer and longer nights in winter
(ii) Equinox occurs on March 21st and September 23rd while solstice occurs on June 21st and December 22nd
(iii) Equinox could be spring or autumn while solstice could be summer or winter
(b) Rotation and Revolution:
(i) Rotation rotation the earth rotates 360° in 24 hours (one day) while it revolve’ round the sun in 3651/4 days (one year)
(ii) Rotation causes day night while revolution causes seasons
(iii) The earth rotates on axis while it revolves round the sun along its orbit
(c) Latitude and Longitude:
Latitude runs parallel to the equator while longitude are perpendicular to the equator
(iii) Circumference of latitudes decreases to the poles while longitudes remain constant
(iii) Longitudes measure up to 360° while latitude measure up to 18
(iv) Only the equator is a great circle while two opposing lines c longitude make a great circle