Which statement describes principal meridians?

Which statement describes principal meridians?

• A. Run East & West
• B. Run north & south (36 principal meridians)
• C. Circular lines
• D. Diagonal lines

Answer: (B)

Principal meridians are the north–south reference lines used in the Public Land Survey System to lay out land descriptions. They run from north to south and are paired with east–west baselines to form a grid that defines townships and ranges. There are 36 principal meridians used in the United States. They are straight lines, not circular or diagonal, which is why the description that they run north–south and number about 36 best fits what they are and how they’re used in surveying.

Principal meridians are the north–south reference lines used in the Public Land Survey System to lay out land descriptions. They run from north to south and are paired with east–west baselines to form a grid that defines townships and ranges. There are 36 principal meridians used in the United States. They are straight lines, not circular or diagonal, which is why the description that they run north–south and number about 36 best fits what they are and how they’re used in surveying.