Which place on the Earths surface is internationally designated as 0 degrees longitude?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Greenwich in London

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:
This world geography question checks your understanding of the global grid system of latitude and longitude. Lines of longitude, or meridians, are measured east and west from a chosen starting line at 0 degrees. The internationally agreed starting line is called the Prime Meridian, and it passes through a specific place on the Earth. Knowing this reference point is essential for map reading, navigation, and understanding time zones.


Given Data / Assumptions:

  • The quantity in question is 0 degrees longitude.
  • The options list Greenwich, the phrase Prime Meridian, Tibet, and Norway.
  • We assume the standard modern convention adopted by most countries.
  • The question asks specifically for the place, not just the name of the meridian line.


Concept / Approach:
Longitude is measured from the Prime Meridian, which is defined to pass through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich in London, United Kingdom. Thus the physical place that represents 0 degrees longitude is Greenwich. The term Prime Meridian is the name of the reference line, not the location. Tibet and Norway are unrelated to the definition of 0 degrees longitude and are included only as distractors in this multiple choice question.


Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Earth has a grid system, with latitude lines running east west and longitude lines running north south. Step 2: Remember that all longitudes are measured east or west from a starting line called the Prime Meridian. Step 3: Identify the physical location of that line. Internationally, the Prime Meridian is defined to pass through Greenwich in London. Step 4: Check the options. Greenwich in London clearly names the place, while Prime Meridian names the line itself. Step 5: Tibet and Norway are not associated with 0 degrees longitude, so eliminate them and select Greenwich in London as the correct answer.


Verification / Alternative check:
If you have visited or seen photographs of the Royal Observatory in Greenwich, you may recall a metal strip in the ground that marks the Prime Meridian. Tourists often stand with one foot on each side of this line to symbolically straddle the eastern and western hemispheres. Maps and atlases consistently label Greenwich as the reference for 0 degrees longitude. This widespread usage confirms Greenwich as the correct place named in the question.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B, the Prime Meridian in general, refers to the line but does not specify the place, while the question asks for a location. Option C, Tibet, lies in central Asia and has longitudes far east of Greenwich. Option D, Norway, lies in northern Europe and spans a range of longitudes to the east of Greenwich but does not define 0 degrees. These options do not directly answer the question about the specific place associated with 0 degrees longitude.



Common Pitfalls:
A common mistake is to assume that writing Prime Meridian as an answer is enough, even when the question explicitly asks for place. Another pitfall is mixing up the Prime Meridian with the Equator, which is 0 degrees latitude and not 0 degrees longitude. To avoid confusion, remember that Greenwich is linked with longitude, while Equator is linked with latitude, and both together create the zero point for global coordinates.



Final Answer:
The place designated as 0 degrees longitude is Greenwich in London.

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