When it comes to geography, the world is a fascinating place with a lot of hidden gems waiting to be discovered. One of the most interesting things about the earth is its longitude and latitude lines. Longitude lines are vertical lines that run from the North Pole to the South Pole, while latitude lines are horizontal lines that run parallel to the equator. The 80 degrees east longitude line is one such line that passes through a few countries and islands. But which island sits exactly on this line? Let's find out.
The 80 Degrees East Longitude Line
The 80 degrees east longitude line passes through several countries and islands, including India, Nepal, China, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Indonesia. It is an imaginary line that divides the earth into the Eastern Hemisphere and the Western Hemisphere. The line runs from the North Pole to the South Pole, passing through the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman Sea, the Gulf of Thailand, and the South China Sea.
The 80 degrees east longitude line is located approximately 4,000 miles east of the prime meridian, which is the line of longitude that passes through Greenwich, England, and is used as the reference point for all other lines of longitude.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Now that we know which countries and bodies of water the 80 degrees east longitude line passes through, let's focus on the island that sits on this line. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a group of islands located in the Bay of Bengal, east of mainland India. The islands are a Union Territory of India and are made up of 572 islands, of which only 37 are inhabited.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including some rare and endangered species. The islands are also known for their beautiful beaches, coral reefs, and marine life, making them a popular destination for tourists.
The Location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are located between 6 degrees north and 14 degrees north latitude and 92 degrees east and 94 degrees east longitude. The island that sits exactly on the 80 degrees east longitude line is called Great Nicobar Island. It is the southernmost and largest of the Nicobar Islands and is home to the Shompen tribe, one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Great Nicobar Island is known for its rich biodiversity, with over 300 species of birds, 31 species of mammals, and 12 species of amphibians. The island is also home to the Indira Point, which is the southernmost point of India and is located at the tip of the island.
Conclusion
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a beautiful and fascinating part of the world, and it's interesting to know that one of its islands sits exactly on the 80 degrees east longitude line. Great Nicobar Island may be small, but it is a crucial part of the geography of the earth, and it's worth exploring if you ever get the chance.
