What is the name of the imaginary line that divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

Study for the NAQT Geography Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions, each with hints and explanations. Get ready for your geography exam!

The imaginary line that divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres is called the Equator. This line is situated at 0 degrees latitude and runs horizontally around the globe, making it the point of reference for measuring latitude. It represents the widest part of the Earth and is equidistant from the North Pole and the South Pole.

The Equator plays a crucial role in understanding climate zones, as regions near the Equator tend to have a hot and humid climate, while areas farther away experience more varied temperatures. In contrast, the Prime Meridian, located at 0 degrees longitude, serves as a reference for time zones and does not divide the Earth into hemispheres. The International Date Line mostly pertains to the measurement of time across different regions of the globe and is not related to hemispheric division. The Tropic of Capricorn, which is positioned at approximately 23.5 degrees south latitude, marks the most southerly point where the sun can be directly overhead, but it does not divide the hemispheres.

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