In which direction do lines of latitude run?

Lines of latitude run east to west across the globe. They are parallel lines that measure the distance north or south of the equator, which is designated as 0 degrees latitude. As you move away from the equator toward the poles, the lines of latitude are numbered in degrees, from 0 degrees at the equator to 90 degrees at the North and South Poles. This arrangement helps to establish a grid system that is essential for navigation and geographical referencing. Understanding that lines of latitude are horizontal on maps is key to studying Earth's geography and how different locations relate to one another in terms of climate, time zones, and ecological regions.