Longitude is best described as?

Longitude refers to the geographic coordinate that specifies the east-west position of a point on the Earth's surface. It is measured in degrees, with 0 degrees longitude designated as the Prime Meridian, which runs through Greenwich, England.

The correct description of longitude is the distance east or west of this reference point, the Prime Meridian. This measurement provides a way to determine a location's position relative to this established line, which is crucial for navigation and mapping.

Other options address relevant geographical concepts but do not accurately define longitude. For example, the measurement of distance north or south pertains to latitude, which is responsible for indicating how far a location is from the equator. The concept of distance from the Prime Meridian does not align precisely with the definition of longitude since longitude itself is inherently based on positions relative to that meridian. Additionally, while time zones are related to longitude—having their beginnings at the Prime Meridian—longitude is fundamentally about angular distance, not a direct measurement of time. Thus, the distinction of longitude being best described as the distance east or west of Greenwich captures its essence accurately.