The main difference between equator and prime meridian is that the Equator is an imaginary line that divides the earth’s surface into northern & southern hemispheres. In contrast, the Prime Meridian is an imaginary line that divides Earth’s surface into the eastern & western hemispheres.
In order to classify the different temperature zones, time zones, or even the geographical coordinates of a certain object, what we need is the central longitudinal as well as the central latitudinal reference point. And, these are nothing but the Equator and the Prime Meridian that encircles our globe.
The Equator divides the earth into the northern & southern hemispheres & prime meridian divides the earth into eastern & western hemispheres. Not to mention, we will also talk about some of their similarities too. But, before going into deep discussion, let me give you a brief review of the two in a tabular form. Let’s dive right in…!!!
Equator vs Prime Meridian
| Equator | Prime Medridian | |
| 1. | The Equator is imaginary line that divides earth’s surface into northern & southern hemispheres. | Prime Meridian is imaginary line that divides earth’s surface into eastern & western hemispheres. |
| 2. | Equator is located at 0 degrees latitude. | Prime meridian is located at 0 degrees longitude. |
| 3. | It is the permanent central reference point for the latitudinal lines. | It is a temporary central reference for the longitudinal lines. |
| 4. | The equatorial line runs horizontally around the globe. | The prime meridian line runs vertically around the globe. |
| 5. | It acts as the central reference point to fix different temperature zones. | It acts as the central reference point to fix the international dateline. |
| 6. | Both the equator and prime meridian lines help us to define the geographical coordinates of a certain object. | Both the equator and prime meridian lines help us to define the geographical coordinates of a certain object. |
What is an Equator?
Located at 0 degrees latitude, the Equator divides the earth into the northern and southern hemispheres. Not to mention, the Equator is the only line of latitude which is also a great circle. In other words, the Equator is centered at the center of the earth.
On the other hand, all the other lines of latitudes are centered on the earth’s axis of rotation. Just to let you know that both the north pole and south pole are at 90 degrees with respect to the equator. In fact, the higher the value of the degree of latitude from the equator, the closer you are to the north or south pole.
In total, there are 13 countries that pass through the equator. These are Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil, Sao Tome & Principe, Gabon, the Republic of the Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Maldives, Indonesia, and Kiribati.
Importance of Equator
Out of all the lines of latitudes, the equatorial line is the most important one. (Just to let you know, in total, there are 181 lines of latitudes. Ninety above and ninety below the equator). The equatorial line is the most important line of latitude because:
- It acts as the central reference point to fix different temperature zones. That the countries that are closest to the equator are the hottest countries in the world. On the other hand, as you move above or below the equator towards the poles, the temperature reduces drastically.
- Both the equator and prime meridian lines help us to define the geographical coordinates of a certain object.
Editor’s Choice: What are Lines of latitude? Definition & Diagrams
What is Prime Meridian?
Located at 0 degrees longitude, the prime meridian divides the earth into the eastern and western hemispheres. Since there is no permanent central longitudinal reference point, we can think of any place on the earth’s surface as the central reference point for the lines of longitudes.
In other words, if you want, you can think of your home as a central longitudinal point. And, therefore, whatever is on the eastern side of your house will become part of the eastern hemisphere. On the other hand, what is on the western side of your house will become part of the western hemisphere.
However, in the current world scenario, the line of longitude that passes through Greenwich London is taken as the central longitudinal reference point. That’s why the prime meridian is also known as the Greenwich meridian.
Importance of Prime Meridian
Out of all the lines of longitudes, the Greenwich Prime Meridian line is the most important one. (Just to let you know, in total, there are 360 lines of longitudes. 180 on the eastern and 180 on the western side of the central meridian). The Greenwich meridian line is the most important line of longitude because:
- It acts as the central reference point to fix different time zone all over the world. In other words, it acts as a basis for the International Date Line.
- Both the equator and prime meridian lines help us to define the geographical coordinates of a certain object.
Editor’s Choice: What are Lines of Longitude? Definition & Diagrams
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