Which lines are parallel to meridians and separate the townships?

The correct answer is that range lines are parallel to meridians and serve the purpose of separating townships. In the rectangular survey system, which is utilized in the United States for land description, meridians are the vertical lines that run from north to south. Range lines, which are drawn parallel to these meridians, are essential in creating the grid system that defines townships.

To understand this better, it is important to recognize the structure of the survey system. Townships are square areas typically measuring six miles by six miles and are further divided into sections. The separation of these townships is facilitated by both township lines (which run east-west) and range lines. While township lines are essential for delineating the townships in a north-south orientation, the range lines parallel to the meridians are what specifically create the divisions between different townships according to east-west measurement.

Understanding these surveying terms and their functions is crucial for interpreting land descriptions and property boundaries within the framework of American real estate.