Which of the following describes a rhumb line?

Which of the following describes a rhumb line?

• A. A track that changes direction frequently
• B. A line of consistent heading requiring more distance than a great circle
• C. A straight line that represents the shortest path
• D. A circular arc connecting two points on a sphere

Answer: (B)

A rhumb line, also known as a loxodrome, is a path that crosses all meridians of longitude at the same angle, maintaining a consistent direction. This characteristic means that while it is straightforward to follow over a map, it does not correspond to the shortest distance between two points on a spherical surface. In contrast to great circles, which represent the shortest path between two points on a globe, a rhumb line requires more distance, as it does not account for the curvature of the Earth. As travelers navigate using a rhumb line, they must maintain the same compass heading, which often involves traversing a longer distance compared to the direct great circle route. This aspect is particularly relevant in navigation and chart plotting, where maintaining a steady course can sometimes be more practical than calculating the shortest path. Other options involve concepts that do not accurately represent the nature of a rhumb line. A rhumb line does not frequently change direction, nor is it the shortest path, nor is it depicted as a circular arc; rather, it is a straight line with consistent heading across a map that can lead to longer travel distances compared to great circle routes.

A rhumb line, also known as a loxodrome, is a path that crosses all meridians of longitude at the same angle, maintaining a consistent direction. This characteristic means that while it is straightforward to follow over a map, it does not correspond to the shortest distance between two points on a spherical surface.

In contrast to great circles, which represent the shortest path between two points on a globe, a rhumb line requires more distance, as it does not account for the curvature of the Earth. As travelers navigate using a rhumb line, they must maintain the same compass heading, which often involves traversing a longer distance compared to the direct great circle route. This aspect is particularly relevant in navigation and chart plotting, where maintaining a steady course can sometimes be more practical than calculating the shortest path.

Other options involve concepts that do not accurately represent the nature of a rhumb line. A rhumb line does not frequently change direction, nor is it the shortest path, nor is it depicted as a circular arc; rather, it is a straight line with consistent heading across a map that can lead to longer travel distances compared to great circle routes.