5 Difference Between Local Time and Standard Time (With Table)

The rotation of the earth on its axis is the reason behind the sunrise and sunset in different parts of the world. Keep in mind that different parts of the earth receive light at different times.

The differences enhance the division of the earth into time zones. The earth completes one rotation of 360 degrees within 24 hours. It implies that the earth moves 15 degrees every one hour.

Therefore, the earth sections have 24 time zones where each zone is 15 degrees longitude wide. Research shows that each time zone is one hour apart from the other.

These time zones help to determine the local time, GMT, and standard time. Besides that, it has made navigation around the world easier.

So, what is the main difference between local time and standard time? Local time is the time for a specific country in relation to the meridian running through it while standard time is the official local time of a region given by the distance from the prime meridian of the meridian running through it.

This article provides further differences between local time and standard time in a tabular form. Take the time to read through it and improve your understanding of this physical geography topic.

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Comparison Table (Local Time vs Standard Time)

Basic Terms Local Time Standard Time
Meaning It is the time of a given place determined by the apparent movement of the sun. It is the fixed time of a given place falling in the same meridian set by the country law.
Variations Changes continuously with changes in longitude. Remain the same for a specific country.
Longitude Regions on the same longitude have the same local time. Regions on the same longitude have different standard times.
Reckoned by Shadow cast by the sun. Time zones
Location of Regions Places on the east are ahead of the west in time. No change in time.

What Is the Local Time?

Local time is the time in a particular place depending on the line of longitude passing through it. The time is reckoned by the meridian running through the region and shadow cast by the sun.

The position of the sun plays a crucial role in determining the local time. When the shadow cast by the sun is shorter, it is midday. The long shadow cast by the sun is usually at sunrise and sunset.

When the sun is exactly over the head, it implies noontime. Keep in mind that noon occurs at different times in different meridian. It is the reason why local times vary from one region to another.

What Is the Standard Time?

It is the reference time for a specific area. It is usually the local time of the meridian running through the place or region.

Standard time is the official time set by the country’s law. It is said to be the time of a specific meridian passing through the region or country.

It is reckoned by the distance east or west of the prime meridian at Greenwich line of longitude lying in the region.

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Main Difference between Local Time and Standard Time

  1. Local time is reckoned by the shadow cast by the sun while standard time by the time zones.
  2. Local time is the same for places lying on the same longitude while standard time is different for places on the same longitude.
  3. Local time changes continuously with changes in longitude while standard time remains the same for a particular country.
  4. Local time is the exact time of a place based on the apparent movement of the sun while standard time is the fixed time of a place lying in the same meridian and set up by the law.

In Conclusion

The rotation of the earth causes day and night. It is the most accurate method for determining the time for a specific region or country.

The advancement in technology has made it easier to determine the time for different places. Thanks to the knowledge of this physical geography.

The core difference between local time and standard time is that local time is the time for a specific area while standard time is the regular local time of a specific region.

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