What role do meridians serve in relation to global navigation?

Meridians serve a crucial role in global navigation by providing a system for determining north-south directions. They are imaginary lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole, connecting points of equal longitude. This system allows for the precise location of any point on Earth's surface in terms of its angular distance from the Prime Meridian, which is located at zero degrees longitude.

By knowing the position of meridians, navigators can accurately determine their latitude and help guide them on their journey. This system is fundamental in navigation, as it directly affects how we orient ourselves geographically and aids in navigation systems worldwide. Understanding meridians is essential for global navigation, as they form one half of the coordinate system when used in conjunction with parallels (which measure east-west positions).