How is latitude defined?

Latitude is defined as the distance from the equator in degrees. This system of measurement is based on an angular measurement. The equator is designated as 0 degrees latitude, with values increasing to 90 degrees at the poles, either north or south. This geographical coordinate system allows us to pinpoint specific locations on Earth's surface in relation to the equator, which serves as the baseline for measuring latitude.

Understanding latitude is fundamental in various fields such as geography, climatology, and navigation. It has practical applications, including determining climate zones, predicting weather patterns, and facilitating navigation across the globe. The other options do not accurately define latitude: sea level concerns elevation rather than geographical positioning, the distance across continents relates to physical geography rather than latitude, and the distance between the tropics, while relevant in defining specific climate zones, does not encompass the broader definition of latitude itself.