What direction do latitude lines run?

Latitude lines run east and west around the globe. They are horizontal lines that indicate the distance north or south of the equator, which is designated as 0 degrees latitude. Each line of latitude is measured in degrees, with the North Pole at 90 degrees north and the South Pole at 90 degrees south.

These lines help in identifying locations on Earth and are integral for mapping and navigation. The equator, the primary latitude line, serves as the baseline from which all other lines of latitude are calculated. Understanding this system is critical for various geographical and navigational applications, such as determining climate zones and air travel routes.

In contrast, latitude lines do not run north and south; rather, that describes the direction of longitude lines. The concept of being perpendicular to the poles or diagonal across the globe does not accurately describe latitude lines either, as their purpose is explicitly tied to the consistent east-west orientation.