The term "latitude" refers to what?

Latitude refers specifically to the measurement of how far north or south a location is from the equator. The equator is designated as 0 degrees latitude, with values increasing to 90 degrees at the poles. This concept is crucial for navigation, cartography, and understanding Earth's geography since it allows the establishment of a coordinate system that can pinpoint any location globally in relation to the equator.

The other options describe different geographical concepts: distance east or west refers to longitude; height above sea level is known as elevation; and wind patterns pertain to meteorological phenomena. The clear definition and understanding of latitude are essential for anyone studying geography or engaging in related fields.