135th Meridian East: A Global Line of Longitude
Longitude is a fundamental component of our global coordinate system, allowing us to pinpoint any location on Earth. Among these lines is the 135th meridian east, a significant line of longitude that stretches from the top of the world to the bottom, crossing diverse landscapes and vast oceans.
Measured as 135 degrees east of the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England, this line serves as a geographic marker that spans multiple continents and polar regions, providing a consistent reference point for navigation and mapping.
Key Facts
- Position: 135° east of the Prime Meridian (Greenwich).
- Extent: Runs from the North Pole to the South Pole.
- Geometric Relation: Forms a great ellipse with the 45th meridian west.
- Relative Distance: Located one-quarter of the way from the 180th meridian and three-quarters from the 0th meridian.
Geographic Path and Coverage
The 135th meridian east follows a continuous path across the globe, intersecting several major geographic zones. Starting at the North Pole, it descends through the Arctic Ocean before entering the landmasses of Asia.
As it continues south, the meridian crosses the Pacific Ocean and passes through Australasia. Its journey then takes it across the Indian Ocean and the Southern Ocean before finally reaching Antarctica and terminating at the South Pole.
| Category | Regions/Bodies of Water |
|---|---|
| Polar Regions | North Pole, South Pole, Antarctica |
| Continents/Landmasses | Asia, Australasia |
| Oceans | Arctic, Pacific, Indian, Southern |
Geometric Properties
In the study of geodesy—the science of measuring Earth's geometric shape—the 135th meridian east is noted for its relationship with other longitudinal lines. Specifically, it forms a great ellipse with the 45th meridian west.
A great ellipse is a path that represents the intersection of the Earth's ellipsoid surface with a plane passing through the center of the Earth. In terms of global positioning, this meridian is situated exactly one-quarter of the distance away from the 180th meridian and three-quarters of the distance from the 0th meridian (the Prime Meridian).
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the 135th meridian east located?
It is a line of longitude located 135 degrees east of the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, extending from the North Pole to the South Pole.
Which oceans does the 135th meridian east cross?
The meridian crosses the Arctic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, the Indian Ocean, and the Southern Ocean.
Which landmasses does this meridian pass through?
The line passes through Asia, Australasia, and Antarctica.
What is the relationship between the 135th meridian east and the 45th meridian west?
Together, these two meridians form a great ellipse, which is a circular path that bisects the Earth's ellipsoid.
How far is the 135th meridian east from the Prime Meridian?
It is located three-quarters of the way around the globe from the 0th meridian (Prime Meridian) when moving eastward.