Linear Speed on Earth Earth rotates on an axis through its poles. The distance from the axis to a location on Earth 400 north latitude is about 3033.5 miles. Therefore, a location on Earth at 40° north latitude is spinning on a circle of radius 3033.5 miles. Compute the linear speed on the surface of Earth at 40° north latitude.

In problem, the latitude of a location L is the angle formed by a ray drawn from the center of Earth to the Equator and a ray drawn from the center of Earth to L. See the figure.

 

North Pole Equator South Pole