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Explorers Geography

Geography · Continents & oceans

Equator & poles

The imaginary lines around Earth.

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Imaginary Lines on Earth

Earth is a huge sphere spinning in space. Geographers draw imaginary lines to help us find places. The most important line is called the Equator. It runs around the middle of Earth like a belt. The Equator splits our planet into two halves: the top half and the bottom half.

The Equator

The Equator is an imaginary line that circles Earth halfway between the poles. Countries on the Equator are usually very hot and sunny. Brazil, Kenya and Indonesia all touch the Equator. If you stood on the Equator, you would be exactly halfway between the poles.

The North Pole and South Pole

The North Pole is the top point of Earth. The South Pole is the bottom point. These poles are the coldest places on our planet. The North Pole sits in the frozen Arctic Ocean. The South Pole sits on the icy continent of Antarctica. Both poles are covered in snow and ice all year.

Why These Lines Matter

The Equator and poles help us describe where places are. They also help us understand climate and weather. Places near the Equator are hot because the Sun shines directly overhead. Places near the poles are cold because the Sun stays low. Explorers and sailors use these lines to navigate around the world.

Worked examples

  1. 1. Is Kenya closer to the Equator or the North Pole?

    1. Find Kenya on a map or globe.
    2. Look for the Equator line running across the middle of Earth.
    3. Kenya is in Africa, right on the Equator.
    4. The North Pole is far away at the top of Earth.
    5. Kenya is closer to the Equator.

  2. 2. Which place would be coldest: the Equator, North Pole or London?

    1. The Equator is the warmest because the Sun shines directly on it.
    2. The North Pole is at the top of Earth and is frozen.
    3. London is between the Equator and the North Pole.
    4. The North Pole is the coldest of the three places.

  3. 3. Antarctica is at which pole?

    1. There are two poles: North Pole and South Pole.
    2. The North Pole is in the Arctic Ocean in the north.
    3. Antarctica is a continent covered in ice.
    4. Antarctica is at the South Pole, at the bottom of Earth.

Try it yourself

Singapore is a country near the Equator. What kind of weather would you expect?

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