The 110th Meridian West
A Cartographic Journey: Exploring the significance of this prime line of longitude across continents and history.
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Understanding the Meridian
Defining Longitude
The meridian 110° west of Greenwich is a line of longitude that extends from the North Pole, through the Arctic Ocean, North America, the Pacific Ocean, the Southern Ocean, and Antarctica to the South Pole. Longitude is the angular distance, measured east or west, of a point on the Earth's surface from the Prime Meridian. The 110th meridian west is precisely 110 degrees west of the Prime Meridian, which passes through Greenwich, London. This fundamental concept of longitude is critical for all forms of geographic positioning and navigation.
A Global Line
This meridian forms a great circle with the 70th meridian east. This geometric relationship highlights how meridians, along with parallels of latitude, form the fundamental grid system used to define locations on the Earth's surface. Understanding these lines is crucial for navigation, cartography, and global communication, providing a framework for mapping the planet's surface with precision.
The Meridian's Path
From Pole to Pole
Tracing the 110th meridian west reveals its passage across diverse geographical features and political boundaries, illustrating its extensive reach across the globe:
- It begins at the North Pole, traversing the vast expanse of the Arctic Ocean.
- The meridian then crosses the northern reaches of Canada, specifically defining borders within the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. It passes through significant islands such as Borden Island and Melville Island, illustrating its role in Arctic geography.
- Continuing southward, it crosses bodies of water like the Wilkins Strait and the Parry Channel, including Viscount Melville Sound, demonstrating its path through Canada's intricate Arctic waterways.
- The meridian re-enters Canadian landmasses, continuing its path through Nunavut and the Northwest Territories, notably crossing the Great Slave Lake, a major freshwater body.
- It forms a significant portion of the border between the provinces of Alberta and Saskatchewan, a key administrative boundary in Western Canada.
- Entering the United States, it passes through states including Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona, marking its presence in the American West.
- The meridian then crosses the Gulf of California and traverses the Mexican states of Sonora and Baja California Sur.
- Finally, it continues its journey across the Pacific Ocean, the Southern Ocean, and reaches the South Pole, passing through unclaimed territory in Antarctica, specifically the Walgreen Coast of Marie Byrd Land.
Defining Boundaries
Canadian Borders
In Canada, the 110th meridian west plays a crucial role in territorial demarcation. North of the 70th parallel north, it serves as the definitive boundary between the Northwest Territories and Nunavut. Furthermore, since the establishment of Alberta and Saskatchewan as provinces in 1905, the 110th meridian west has constituted their entire shared border. This precise application of a longitudinal line highlights its importance in the systematic organization of Canada's vast geography.
United States Context
Within the United States, the 110th meridian west has historical significance as it marked the western boundary of the extralegal Territory of Jefferson. Its path through states like Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Arizona underscores its role in the geographical and historical mapping of the American West, influencing settlement patterns and administrative divisions.
The Dominion Land Survey
Establishing the Grid
The 110th meridian west holds particular significance in the context of the Dominion Land Survey system, a foundational element in the organization of Western Canada. It was originally designated as the "Fourth Meridian" within this system. Although actual surveying practices introduced minor deviations, placing it a few hundred meters west of the precise 110° longitude, it remains a critical reference line for the township and range grid that systematically organized vast tracts of Canadian territory.
Geodetic Significance
Meridian Pairs
Meridians are fundamental to the Earth's geographic coordinate system, providing the east-west reference. The 110th meridian west, when considered in conjunction with its antipodal meridian, the 70th meridian east, forms a complete great circle around the globe. This relationship is essential for understanding global positioning, the structure of the Earth's grid, and the interconnectedness of longitudinal lines that define our planet's spatial framework.
Geographic Data
Coordinate Details
The 110th meridian west traverses numerous geographical locations, intersecting various countries, territories, and bodies of water. The following table provides a detailed listing of its path, including specific coordinates where available, offering precise geographical context:
Cartographic Atlas
Interactive Map
Visualize the 110th meridian west on an interactive map. This tool allows for detailed exploration of its path across the globe, highlighting its geographical context and intersections with landmasses and oceans. Understanding its spatial relationships is key to appreciating its significance.
Access Interactive Map ➡️Earth's Grid System
Meridians, like the 110th west, are integral components of the Earth's geographic coordinate system. They converge at the poles and run perpendicular to the parallels of latitude. This grid system, comprising both meridians and parallels, is fundamental for navigation, mapping, and understanding global spatial relationships, forming the basis of all geographic representation.
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References
References
- Order Respecting the First Legislative Assembly of Nunavut
- Jefferson Territory: The Renegade State that Almost Replaced Colorado
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Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page has been generated by an AI and is intended for educational and informational purposes only. The content is derived from publicly available data and may not be entirely exhaustive, precise, or current. Geographical data and boundary definitions can be subject to interpretation and change over time.
This is not professional cartographic or surveying advice. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for professional consultation with qualified geographers, surveyors, or cartographers. Always verify critical geographical data with authoritative sources and professional expertise to ensure accuracy for specific applications.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided.