Geography Notes Chapter 1 The Earth and the Graticule Class 6 Maharashtra Board

Notes For All Chapters – Geography Class 6

1. Shape and Size of the Earth

• The Earth is spherical in shape.
• It is very large, with a diameter of about 12,756 km.
• The surface of the Earth is uneven, with land, oceans, mountains, and valleys.

2. Globe – A Model of the Earth

• A globe is a small model of the Earth.
• It helps us understand the shape, size, and locations of places.
• We can draw imaginary lines on a globe to find places easily.

3. Imaginary Lines on the Earth

• To locate places on Earth, geographers use latitudes and longitudes.
• These are imaginary lines drawn on maps and globes.
• They help us find the exact position of a place.

4. Parallels of Latitude

• Latitude lines are horizontal lines running east to west.
• They are also called parallels because they do not meet.
• The Equator (0° latitude) is the longest latitude and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.
• Other important latitudes:
  • Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N)
  • Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S)
  • Arctic Circle (66.5° N)
  • Antarctic Circle (66.5° S)
  • North Pole (90° N) & South Pole (90° S)

5. Meridians of Longitude

• Longitude lines are vertical lines running north to south.
• They meet at the North and South Poles.
• The Prime Meridian (0° longitude) divides the Earth into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
• There are 360 meridians in total (180° east and 180° west).

6. Difference Between Latitude and Longitude

7. The Graticule – Network of Latitudes and Longitudes

• The combination of latitude and longitude lines forms a graticule.
• It helps in finding the exact location of a place on Earth.

8. How to Write Location Coordinates

• The latitude and longitude of a place are written in degrees (°), minutes (‘), and seconds (“).
• Example: Mumbai is at 19°N latitude and 72°E longitude.

9. Importance of Latitudes and Longitudes

• Helps in locating places on Earth.
• Helps in studying climate zones (hot, cold, and temperate).
• Helps in navigation and GPS systems.