Circles of latitude between the 35th parallel north and the 40th parallel north

Circles of latitude are imaginary lines that circle the Earth, running east-west. They help us understand and measure distances from the equator. The lines between the 35th parallel north and the 40th parallel north are important because they pass through many interesting and populated parts of the world.

The 35th parallel north runs through places like part of California, Japan, and the Mediterranean Sea. The 40th parallel north passes through areas such as Italy, China, and the United States, including parts of Kansas and Pennsylvania. These lines help mapmakers, scientists, and travelers understand where they are on the globe.

These circles of latitude are important for studying climate, because they sit in regions with different temperatures and weather patterns. Areas along these lines can experience warm summers and cool winters, affecting the plants, animals, and people who live there. Understanding these lines helps us learn about the world's geography and how life changes from place to place on Earth.

36th parallel north

The 36th parallel north is an imaginary line that circles the Earth 36 degrees north of the equator. This line passes through several continents and oceans, including Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean. In the past, it was important for navigation in the ancient Mediterranean world.

In the United States, this parallel is sometimes used to mark the northern edge of a warm area called the Sun Belt. Some cities near this line include Kettleman City, California, Henderson, Nevada, and Nashville, Tennessee. It also helps define borders between some states and counties.

37th parallel north

The 37th parallel north is a circle of latitude that is 37 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. It crosses Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Africa, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean.

At this latitude, the Sun is visible for about 14 and a half hours during the summer solstice and about 9 and a half hours during the winter solstice. This parallel is also important because it marks the northern limit of where the star Canopus can be seen. In the United States, the 37th parallel north forms the southern borders of Utah, Colorado, and Kansas, and the northern borders of Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. It also passes near notable landmarks such as Yosemite National Park, Death Valley, Four Corners, and Cairo, Illinois.

38th parallel north

This article is about a special line around the Earth called the 38th parallel north. For more about how Korea was divided, see Division of Korea. For the current division, see Military Demarcation Line and Korean Demilitarized Zone.

The 38th parallel north is a line that circles the Earth 38 degrees north of the Equator. It goes through places like Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean. Before the Korean War, this line was the border between North and South Korea.

During the summer, the Sun can be seen for about 14 and a half hours at this latitude, and during the winter, it is visible for about 9 and a half hours. The 38th parallel has an important history, especially in Korea, where it marked the division between occupying forces after World War II and later became the boundary between the two Koreas.

Main article: Division of Korea

From 1910 to 1945, Korea was ruled by the Empire of Japan. In 1945, as World War II ended, U.S. military leaders picked the 38th parallel to separate Soviet and American zones in Korea after Japan surrendered. This line divided the Korean peninsula nearly in the middle. In 1948, it became the border between North Korea and South Korea, though both nations claim to lead all of Korea.

On 25 June 1950, after fights between North and South Korea, the North Korean Army moved past the 38th parallel to attack South Korea. This led to the Korean War, with United Nations forces, mostly from America, helping South Korea defend itself.

After an armistice was signed in 1953, a new line called the Military Demarcation Line was made, surrounded by a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). This line runs near but not exactly along the 38th parallel.

Around the world

Starting at the Prime Meridian and moving east, the 38th parallel north passes through:

39th parallel north

The 39th parallel north is a line of latitude that is 39 degrees north of the Earth's equatorial plane. It runs through Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean.

During the summer, the sun is visible for about 15 hours, while in the winter it is visible for around 9 hours. This change in daylight affects the growth of plants and crops. In the United States, the eastern edge of California is partly defined by this parallel.

Around the world

Starting at the Prime Meridian and moving eastward, the 39th parallel north passes through several places.

40th parallel north

The 40th parallel north is an imaginary line around the Earth that is 40 degrees north of the equator. It runs through several continents and oceans, including Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, Asia, the Pacific Ocean, North America, and the Atlantic Ocean.

During the summer, the sun is visible for over 15 hours at this latitude, while in the winter, it is visible for about 9 hours. This line has been used as a boundary in some places. For example, it marks the border between Kansas and Nebraska in the United States. It also passes through several well-known cities such as Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Boulder, Colorado, and Columbus, Ohio.

Main article: Baseline (surveying) § United States

Notable cities and towns on 40°N

• Ankara, Turkey
• Beijing, China
• Columbus, Ohio, United States
• Denver, Colorado, United States
• Madrid, Spain
• Naples, Italy
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States
• Yerevan, Armenia