What does the term "latitude" signify in geodesy?

Latitude is a fundamental concept in geodesy that describes the angular position of a point on the Earth's surface in relation to the equator, specifically indicating how far north or south a location is from the equator itself. It is measured in degrees, ranging from 0° at the equator to 90° at the poles. This measurement is crucial for various applications, including navigation, mapping, and understanding climatic zones, as it helps to define the geographic coordinates of any location on the planet.

The other concepts provided do not align with the definition of latitude. The angular distance east or west of the Prime Meridian relates to longitude, which complements latitude in establishing a geographic position. Depth of the ocean floor pertains to bathymetry and does not relate to latitude in any way. Similarly, elevation refers to height above sea level, which again is distinct from the measurement that latitude describes. Thus, the chosen answer accurately encapsulates the meaning of latitude in the context of geodesy.