Which geographical concept is used to denote global time?

The concept used to denote global time is associated with longitude. Longitude lines run from the North Pole to the South Pole and are measured in degrees east or west of the Prime Meridian, which is located at 0 degrees longitude in Greenwich, England. The Earth's rotation creates time zones that correspond to these lines of longitude; as one moves east or west from the Prime Meridian, local time changes based on the position of the sun in the sky.

Each longitude degree roughly corresponds to a time difference of four minutes, contributing to the establishment of standard time zones across the globe. This relationship allows for the synchronization of time measurement worldwide, making longitude essential for understanding and managing global timekeeping systems.

In contrast, latitude relates to the distance north or south of the equator and does not influence time zones. The equator denotes the widest part of the Earth and is significant for climate and ecological zones, but it does not pertain to time measurement. Altitude measures how high something is above sea level and influences climate and weather patterns but does not have a direct correlation to global time.