NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 2 notes on globe, latitudes, longitudes, heat zones and Indian Standard Time

Chapter 2 – Globe: latitudes and longitudes

These NCERT Class 6 Geography Chapter 2 notes explain how latitudes and longitudes help locate places and calculate time. The chapter also explains heat zones and Indian Standard Time, which are very important for exams.

1. What is a globe

  •  A globe is a true model of the Earth.
  •  It shows continents, oceans, and countries clearly.
  •  A globe helps us understand the exact position of places on Earth.
  •  It represents the Earth in its correct shape.
  •  A globe can be rotated to study different regions.
  •  It is like a mini Earth used for learning geography.

2. Lines on the globe

  •  To locate places, imaginary lines are drawn on the globe.
  •  These lines are called latitudes and longitudes.
  •  They help in finding locations on Earth.
  •  They are useful for calculating time.
  •  These lines also help in understanding climate patterns.

3. Latitudes

  •  Latitudes are imaginary lines drawn east–west.
  •  They measure distance north or south of the Equator.
  •  The Equator is the most important latitude.
  •  Latitudes are parallel to each other.
  •  They help divide the Earth into different zones.
  •  Latitudes play a major role in determining climate.

4. Important latitudes

 The Equator (0°) divides the Earth into the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere.
 The Tropic of Cancer (23½° N) passes through India.
 The Tropic of Capricorn (23½° S) lies in the southern hemisphere.
 The Arctic Circle (66½° N) lies near the North Pole.
 The Antarctic Circle (66½° S) lies near the South Pole.
 These latitudes are important for understanding heat distribution.

5. Heat zones of the Earth

  •  The Earth is divided into three heat zones based on latitudes.
  •  The Torrid Zone lies between the Tropic of Cancer and Tropic of Capricorn.
  •  This zone receives the maximum heat from the Sun.
  •  The Temperate Zones lie between the tropics and the polar circles.
  •  These zones have a moderate climate.
  •  The Frigid Zones are near the poles and are very cold.

6. Longitudes

  •  Longitudes are imaginary lines drawn north–south.
  •  They measure distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
  •  Longitudes are also called meridians.
  •  All longitudes meet at the poles.
  •  They help in calculating local time.
  •  Longitudes are important for time differences.

7. Prime meridian

  •  The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) is the reference line for longitudes.
  •  It passes through Greenwich in London (UK).
  •  It divides the Earth into the Eastern Hemisphere and Western Hemisphere.
  •  It is used to measure longitudes worldwide.
  •  It plays a key role in calculating time.

8. Longitude and time

  •  The Earth rotates 360° in 24 hours.
  •  Therefore, 1° longitude equals 4 minutes.
  •  Places located on different longitudes have different local times.
  •  Time changes from east to west.
  •  This difference makes time calculation necessary.
  •  Longitudes help fix standard time.

9. Indian standard time

  •  India is a large country with many longitudes.
  •  Different places would have different local times.
  •  To avoid confusion, Indian Standard Time (IST) is used.
  •  IST is based on 82½° East longitude.
  •  This longitude passes near Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh.
  •  IST is followed across the entire country.

10. Grid system

  •  The network formed by latitudes and longitudes is called a grid.
  •  The grid system helps in locating places accurately.
  •  It is used in maps and globes.
  •  Each place can be identified using latitude and longitude.
  •  The grid system is important in geography.
  •  It helps in navigation and mapping.

11. Important keywords

  •  Globe is a true model of the Earth.
  •  Latitude measures distance north or south of the Equator.
  •  Longitude measures distance east or west of the Prime Meridian.
  •  Equator is the main latitude at 0°.
  •  Prime Meridian is the main longitude at 0°.
  •  Indian Standard Time (IST) is the standard time of India.

12. Why this chapter is important

  •  This chapter helps in locating places on Earth.
  •  It explains time differences between places.
  •  It is essential for understanding maps.
  •  It helps in learning about climate zones.
  •  It is very important for competitive exams like BPSC and State PCS foundation.
  •  It forms the base for advanced geography topics.

Understanding latitudes and longitudes helps in reading maps, understanding climate zones, and time differences across places.

Continue reading Class 6 Geography Chapter 3 – Motions of the Earth to understand day, night, and seasons.

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FAQs

Q1. Why are latitudes and longitudes important?
They help in locating places and calculating time.

Q2. Which longitude is used for IST?
82½° East longitude.

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