The correct option is It decreases towards the poles..
Explanation
Longitudes, also known as meridians, are semi-circles that run from the North Pole to the South Pole. Unlike latitudes, which are parallel to each other, longitudes are not parallel; they converge at the poles and are widest apart at the Equator.
Detailed Analysis
- Nature of Convergence: Since all meridians of longitude meet at the North and South Poles, the linear distance between any two consecutive longitudes is not constant.
- Variation with Latitude: The distance between two longitudes is maximum at the Equator (approximately 111.3 km). As one moves from the Equator towards the poles (either North or South), the circumference of the parallel of latitude decreases. Consequently, the distance between the meridians decreases progressively.
- At the Poles: At the poles (90° N and 90° S), all longitudes converge to a single point, making the distance between them zero.
Therefore, the distance between longitudes decreases towards the poles.
Key Takeaway
Convergence of Meridians: The distance between two longitudes is a function of latitude; it is maximum at the Equator (~111 km) and decreases to zero at the Poles where all meridians converge.