Question

Distinguish between parallels and meridians.

Answer 1

Aspect	Parallels	Meridians
Definition	Parallels are imaginary lines drawn parallel to the equator on the globe.	Meridians are imaginary semicircles drawn from the North Pole to the South Pole.
Shape	Parallels are complete circles around the Earth.	Meridians are semicircles, half-circles joining the poles.
Length	Lengths of parallels vary, largest at equator and decreasing towards the poles.	All meridians are of the same length, extending from pole to pole.
Position	Parallels run east-west and measure latitude.	Meridians run north-south and measure longitude.
Distance	The distance between parallels is approximately constant, about 111 km apart.	Meridians converge at the poles and are farthest apart at the equator (about 111 km apart).
Reference	The equator is the zero-degree parallel.	The Prime Meridian is the zero-degree meridian.