Question map
Which one of the following statements about 'great circle' is not correct?
Explanation
A great circle is defined as the intersection of a sphere with a plane that passes through its center, effectively dividing the Earth into two equal halves [1]. Because its center coincides with the Earth's center, it is the largest possible circle that can be drawn on the sphere, and its circumference is equal to the Earth's circumference [2]. In spherical geometry, the shortest distance between any two points on the globe lies along the arc of a great circle [1]. Therefore, statement 3 is incorrect because great circles mark the shortest travel routes (orthodromes), not the longest [2]. Modern aircraft and ships utilize these routes to minimize travel time and distance [2]. While an infinite number of great circles exist, the Equator is the only parallel of latitude that qualifies as one [2].
Sources
- [1] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > Great Circle Routes > p. 14
- [2] https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/great-circle/