General Navigation USCG Question #2315 (Set 71)

Variation is the angular measurement between what two points?

Official USCG Answer & Rule Citation

Correct Answer: Option B — magnetic meridian and the geographic meridian

Variation is defined in Bowditch as the angular difference between the geographic (true) meridian and the magnetic meridian at any specific location. It is caused by the Earth's magnetic field not aligning with the geographic poles and changes based on the vessel's geographic position on the globe.

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