Definition:
The term "northern hemisphere" refers to the half of the Earth that is situated north of the equator. The equator is an imaginary line that divides the Earth into two equal halves: the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere.
In more advanced discussions, you might encounter the northern hemisphere in contexts like climate science or astronomy. For example:
- "The northern hemisphere experiences longer daylight hours during the summer solstice."
While "northern hemisphere" specifically refers to the geographical area, "hemisphere" on its own can also refer to a half of something, such as the brain (e.g., "the left hemisphere of the brain").
There are no direct synonyms for "northern hemisphere," but you could use phrases like "the Northern part of the Earth" or "the upper half of the globe" in a more descriptive context.
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly involve "northern hemisphere," but you might hear expressions related to seasons or geography, such as:
- "Turn over a new leaf," which can refer to a change in seasons or situations, particularly relevant in discussions about the effects of weather in different hemispheres.
The term "northern hemisphere" is a simple yet important concept in geography that helps us understand the Earth's layout and how it affects climate and seasons.