What impact does the convergence of meridians toward the North Pole have on townships?

The correct answer highlights how the convergence of meridians toward the North Pole affects the shape and size of townships in the rectangular survey system. As one moves northward, the longitudinal lines, or meridians, get closer together because the Earth is a sphere. This convergence means that the area represented by each township—typically defined as a square that is six miles on each side—actually becomes narrower as you move towards the poles.

This narrowing effect occurs because the earth's surface is not flat, and when one tries to represent its spherical shape with a grid, adjustments must be made. Townships, which are designated parcels of land used for land surveys, thus lose their regular width as they approach the North Pole due to the way meridians draw closer together. As a result, while townships are designed to be uniform in size at lower latitudes, their actual physical breadth decreases as you travel northward.