What is the purpose of the International Dateline?

The purpose of the International Dateline is to serve as an imaginary line on the Earth that separates two consecutive calendar days. This line is primarily located along the 180th meridian in the Pacific Ocean, though it zigzags to accommodate various territories and regions. When crossing the International Dateline from west to east, travelers subtract a day, essentially "gaining" a day; conversely, traveling from east to west means adding a day, or "losing" one. This system helps to standardize timekeeping and date recording across different global time zones, ensuring that everyone adheres to the same calendar despite the varied time zones they may be in. Understanding the function of the International Dateline is crucial for accurately managing international travel, communication, and coordination across different time zones.