A line on the map which crosses the successive meridians at constant angle, also called a rhumbline, is known as what?

• A. Great Circle
• B. Meridian
• C. Loxodrome
• D. Parallel

Answer: (C)

A line that crosses successive meridians at a constant angle is called a loxodrome, also known as a rhumb line. This means the direction you travel maintains a fixed bearing relative to true north, which is exactly the defining property of a rhumb line. Great circles, while they are the shortest route between two points, do not keep that crossing angle constant—the bearing to meridians changes along the path. A meridian is simply a north–south line, and a parallel is a circle of constant latitude; neither is defined by staying at a fixed angle to meridians. On a Mercator map, a loxodrome appears as a straight line, highlighting why this concept is fundamental for navigation.