Chinese contribution to oceanography was the creation of the chronometer

Answer 1

The Englishman John Harrison invented the chronometer for use on the sea by ships in order to find the longitude of the ship.  See the book, Longitude, by Dava Sorel.

Every day has 24 hours, and every circle has 360 degrees, so at any latitude, there is a circle, or parallel, going around the earth parallel to the equator. and for every 15 degrees on that parallel there is one hour of time difference between Greenwich England and a ship at sea.

You set the clock at Greenwich mean time, which is on the prime meridian, or line from the north pole to the south pole, and you can move east or west from that location and the ship's high noon will be so many hours different from Greenwich's noon time. 

 

Richard M., EIT, MRE

retired teacher

Answer 2

Rafik,

 

I assume this is a TRUE/FALSE question.  For the answer to be TRUE, 2 conditions must be met:

 

1.  The Chinese invented the chronometer.

2.  Use of the chronometer contributed to the science of oceanography.

 

Keep in mind that a chronometer is by definition a timekeeping device.  Now answer 2 questions:  Did the Chinese invent it, and did its use contribute to the science of oceanography?  Then you can answer your TRUE/FALSE question.