Facts to Know for your Regents: Unit 1 Earth's Size and Shape

What is the latitude and longitude of Rockland County New York?

41 N 75 W

List 5 pieces of evidence used to prove Earth's true shape

1. Photographs from space 2. As latitude increases, the altitude of the stars increase. 3. Earth's shape cast on the Moon. 4. A ship's mast is the last thing seen as a ship sails over the horizon 5. Gravitational differences between the poles and the equator.

How many degrees of longitude separate a city that has a 4 hour time difference?

60 degrees (4 x 15 degrees)

When asked to identify Earth's true shape, what type of object should you always look for?

Always choose the roundest and smoothest object.

How is flat land indicated on a topographic map?

Contour lines are far apart.

State and describe Earth's True Shape

Earth is an oblate spheroid which is slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator.

How is latitude related to Polaris?

If you know your latitude, it is the same as the altitude of Polaris (in the northern hemisphere ONLY).

What does latitude measure?

Latitude measures the distances north and south of the equator.

What does longitude measure?

Longitude measures the distances east and west of the prime meridian.

Which two constellations are involved with locating Polaris in a nighttime sky?

The Big Dipper (far two stars are the pointers) and the Little Dipper (end star in the handle of the Little Dipper).

What does is mean when isolines are close together?

The topography has a steep gradient.

Explain how the direction of stream flow is indicated on a topographic map.

When contour lines cross over a river or stream they make a "V" shape. The V's always point upstream and therefore stream flow is the OPPOSITE way.