Question

The meridian passing through Greenwich village of England is used as the datum of all records. Which of the following is the appropriate term for the given definition?

• A. Rhumb line
• B. Meridian
• C. Latitude
• D. Prime Meridian

Hint:

The Prime Meridian represents $0^{\circ}$ Longitude. All other meridians are measured in degrees East or West of this reference line up to $180^{\circ}$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Defining Navigational Coordinates:
To navigate across the curved surface of the Earth, scientists and sailors created a grid system made of imaginary lines known as parallels of Latitude and meridians of Longitude.

Step 2: Analyzing the Options:

• Rhumb Line (A): An imaginary line on the Earth's surface that cuts all meridians at the same angle; it represents a path of constant compass heading.
• Meridian (B): A general term for any semi-great circle on the Earth's surface passing through the geographic North and South Poles, representing lines of longitude.
• Latitude (C): Circles parallel to the Equator that measure the angular distance North or South of the Equator ($0^{\circ}$ to $90^{\circ}$).
• Prime Meridian (D): The specific longitude line designated as $0^{\circ}$. By international agreement, this starting reference line (datum) passes directly through the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, London, England.

Step 3: Conclusion:
Since the question asks for the specific meridian passing through Greenwich that acts as the global datum for measuring East/West longitudes and Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the correct term is the Prime Meridian, which is option (D).