Naked Science Forum

Non Life Sciences => Geology, Palaeontology & Archaeology => Topic started by: Eric A. Taylor on 20/07/2010 23:08:13

Title: How is "Eastern" Antarctica determand?
Post by: Eric A. Taylor on 20/07/2010 23:08:13

I was just reading about the Wilkes Land crater, which may be linked to the Permian–Triassic extinction event. It was described as being in "Eastern" Antarctica. Considering Antarctica sits on the south pole (it's entire coast is the "north shore") how is the "East" side determine?

If you and I stand back to back on the south pole and we walk away from each other we will both be walking North (heading 0 degrees). If we walk 10 steps and turn right we are now both walking East, heading 90 degrees. However if we don't curve to the right we will both soon be heading close to North again. There is really not an east or west or south side of Antarctica. It ALL North side isn't it? Do they simply say the part of Antarctica south of Africa and Asia is east, and the part south of South America is west? That seems rather arbitrary.

Title: How is "Eastern" Antarctica determand?
Post by: JimBob on 21/07/2010 15:31:00

I believe it has to do with being in the eastern or western hemisphere.

Title: How is "Eastern" Antarctica determand?
Post by: LeeE on 21/07/2010 17:18:07

I would assume that it's based upon the Prime Meridian and it's reciprocal, the 180th meridian.  Thus, everything between 0°-180° is East and everything between 180°-360°(0°) is West.

By international convention the Prime Meridian passes through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.

Title: How is "Eastern" Antarctica determand?
Post by: Eric A. Taylor on 21/07/2010 18:08:27

Oh yes the English are SO special!!!
hehe [;D]

Title: How is "Eastern" Antarctica determand?
Post by: JimBob on 22/07/2010 03:38:02

Quote from: LeeE on 21/07/2010 17:18:07

I would assume that it's based upon the Prime Meridian and it's reciprocal, the 180th meridian.  Thus, everything between 0°-180° is East and everything between 180°-360°(0°) is West.

By international convention the Prime Meridian passes through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.

Isn't this what I said - only "sci-ern-tif-ik?"  [:X]

Title: How is "Eastern" Antarctica determand?
Post by: LeeE on 23/07/2010 02:06:53

Quote from: JimBob on 22/07/2010 03:38:02

Quote from: LeeE on 21/07/2010 17:18:07

I would assume that it's based upon the Prime Meridian and it's reciprocal, the 180th meridian.  Thus, everything between 0°-180° is East and everything between 180°-360°(0°) is West.

By international convention the Prime Meridian passes through the Royal Observatory at Greenwich.

Isn't this what I said - only "sci-ern-tif-ik?"  [:X]

Yup - just adding a bit of clarification/detail.

And no, I'm not going to kiss you back  [:P]