Question 1889Navigation General

The correct answer is D) always be nearer to the elevated pole. A great circle track is the shortest distance between two points on the Earth's surface, as it follows the curvature of the Earth. In contrast, a rhumb line track is a straight line on a Mercator projection, which distorts the shape of the Earth. Except for north-south courses and east-west courses on the equator, a great circle track will always be nearer to the elevated pole compared to a rhumb line track between the same two points. The other options are incorrect because: A) A great circle track is not necessarily nearer to the pole or the equator, it depends on the specific locations. B) The relationship between the great circle track and the rhumb line track is the same in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. C) A great circle track is not always nearer to the equator.