Leveysarvojen

Leveysarvojen is a term that translates from Finnish to "latitude values." In the context of geography and cartography, it refers to the numerical representation of a location's position north or south of the Earth's equator. Latitude is measured in degrees, minutes, and seconds, ranging from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees north (90° N) at the North Pole and 90 degrees south (90° S) at the South Pole.

Lines of latitude are imaginary circles that run parallel to the equator, hence they are also known as parallels. The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn are significant parallels located at approximately 23.5 degrees north and south of the equator, respectively. These lines mark the northernmost and southernmost points where the sun can be directly overhead at noon. Similarly, the Arctic Circle and the Antarctic Circle are located at approximately 66.5 degrees north and south, defining the boundaries of polar regions.

Understanding leveysarvojen, or latitude values, is fundamental for navigation, mapping, and comprehending various climatic zones and astronomical phenomena. It forms one half of the geographic coordinate system, with longitude representing the east-west position.