Hey experts !! please explain me why is international date line not a straight line like other longitudes and goes zigzag through Bering Strait (between Siberia and Alaska), Fiji, Tonga and in some other islands !!?
Dear Student,
The International Date Line determines the date of a place. Places to the west of International Date Line are one day ahead of the places on the east. The imaginary line is purposefully drawn in a zig-zag manner to ensure that it does not pass through landmasses. If it were to pass through landmasses, places in the same country would have two different dates. This could create confusion and affect trade, business and increase administrative inconvenience. Hence, to avoid this, the International Date Line is made to pass through water bodies and drawn in a zig-zag manner.
Regards,
The International Date Line determines the date of a place. Places to the west of International Date Line are one day ahead of the places on the east. The imaginary line is purposefully drawn in a zig-zag manner to ensure that it does not pass through landmasses. If it were to pass through landmasses, places in the same country would have two different dates. This could create confusion and affect trade, business and increase administrative inconvenience. Hence, to avoid this, the International Date Line is made to pass through water bodies and drawn in a zig-zag manner.
Regards,