What happens to great circle tracks as they approach the poles?

What happens to great circle tracks as they approach the poles?

• A. They become arcs
• B. They disappear
• C. They become straight
• D. They curve unpredictably

Answer: (A)

Great circle tracks represent the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, such as the Earth. As these great circle routes approach the poles, their depiction on a flat surface, such as a map, takes on a different character. Specifically, they become arcs. This is due to the curvature of the Earth, which affects how distances are represented in two dimensions. When plotted on a map, especially on a Mercator projection, great circles appear to curve because the projection distorts size and shape as one moves away from the equator towards the poles. Near the poles, the convergence of longitudinal lines causes the great circle tracks to also manifest as arcs. This helps aviators and navigators understand the nature of their routes as they transition through varying latitudes. Recognizing that these paths appear as arcs near the poles is crucial for flight planning and navigation, ensuring that the shortest and most efficient routes are selected.

Great circle tracks represent the shortest distance between two points on the surface of a sphere, such as the Earth. As these great circle routes approach the poles, their depiction on a flat surface, such as a map, takes on a different character. Specifically, they become arcs. This is due to the curvature of the Earth, which affects how distances are represented in two dimensions.

When plotted on a map, especially on a Mercator projection, great circles appear to curve because the projection distorts size and shape as one moves away from the equator towards the poles. Near the poles, the convergence of longitudinal lines causes the great circle tracks to also manifest as arcs. This helps aviators and navigators understand the nature of their routes as they transition through varying latitudes. Recognizing that these paths appear as arcs near the poles is crucial for flight planning and navigation, ensuring that the shortest and most efficient routes are selected.