Hemisfério

Hemisfério is a term derived from Latin, meaning "half of a sphere." It is most commonly used in geography to refer to one of the two halves of the Earth, divided either by the equator into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, or by the Prime Meridian and its antimeridian into the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

The Northern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that lies north of the Equator. It contains most of the world's landmass and a larger proportion of its population. Seasons are reversed compared to the Southern Hemisphere; summer occurs from June to August, and winter from December to February.

The Southern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth that lies south of the Equator. It is characterized by vast oceans and fewer continents. Its seasons are opposite to those of the Northern Hemisphere, with summer from December to February and winter from June to August.

The Eastern Hemisphere is the half of the Earth east of the Prime Meridian and west of the antimeridian. It includes Europe, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

The Western Hemisphere is the half of the Earth west of the Prime Meridian and east of the antimeridian. It primarily comprises North and South America.

The concept of hemispheres is fundamental to understanding global geography, navigation, and climate patterns.