meridiaanina

Meridiaanina is a term of Finnish origin that translates to "meridian line" or "line of longitude." In geography, it refers to an imaginary line drawn on the Earth's surface, connecting the North and South Poles. These lines are crucial for establishing a global grid system used for navigation and determining geographical locations.

The Earth is divided into 360 degrees of longitude, with the Prime Meridian, also known as the Greenwich Meridian, serving as the reference point at 0 degrees. All other meridians are measured east or west of this line, up to 180 degrees. Unlike lines of latitude, which are parallel circles, meridians converge at the poles. This convergence means that the distance between meridians decreases as you move away from the equator towards the poles.

Historically, the establishment of a standard Prime Meridian was a significant challenge, with various nations using different reference points. The adoption of the Greenwich Meridian in the late 19th century standardized timekeeping and navigation worldwide. In various cultural contexts, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine, "meridian" refers to energy pathways within the body, which are distinct from geographical lines of longitude.