Earth's Axial Tilt and Precession Quiz

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What is the motion of Earth's axis over a period of about 26,000 years called?

Tilt

Orbit

Eccentricity

Precession (correct)

How does a smaller axial tilt affect global climate?

Causes less winter snow to melt during cooler summers (correct)

Causes an increase in the average global temperature

Leads to summer occurring when Earth is closest to the sun

Results in the expansion of glaciers and ice sheets

How does precession affect the timing of the seasons on Earth?

Affects the direction in which Earth's axis points in space (correct)

Changes the distance between Earth and the sun

Influences the severity of winter weather

Alters the duration of each season

What happens when Earth's axis points toward Polaris, the North Star?

Summer in the Southern Hemisphere occurs when Earth is closest to the sun Signup and view all the answers

How do scientists explain the complexity of understanding the combined effects of Earth's motion in space?

By developing mathematical and computer models Signup and view all the answers

What is responsible for summer occurring in different hemispheres depending on Earth's axial tilt?

Earth's axis pointing direction Signup and view all the answers

How does Earth's orbit eccentricity affect the amount of solar energy reaching Earth?

When Earth's orbit is more circular, it receives slightly more solar energy than when it is more elliptical. Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in Earth's axial tilt affect the differences between seasons?

Increased tilt leads to greater differences between seasons. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately describes the relationship between Earth's orbital eccentricity and its distance from the sun?

When Earth's orbit is more eccentric, it spends more time farther from the sun. Signup and view all the answers

How does Earth's tilt affect the weather changes between seasons?

Greater tilt results in more significant weather changes between seasons. Signup and view all the answers

What impact does a less elliptical (more circular) orbit have on the distribution of solar energy during the year?

It results in slightly more solar energy being received during the year. Signup and view all the answers

How do changes in Earth's orbit eccentricity impact the overall temperature on Earth over tens of thousands of years?

They result in slight fluctuations in temperature over long periods. Signup and view all the answers

How do eccentricity, tilt, and the time of perihelion collectively influence the amount of energy reaching the Northern Hemisphere in July?

They cause fluctuations in the energy reaching the Northern Hemisphere Signup and view all the answers

Why does the graph of northern summer insolation not follow a perfectly regular pattern?

Eccentricity, tilt, and precession cause variations in solar energy distribution Signup and view all the answers

How does ellipticity impact the total amount of solar energy that reaches Earth?

Ellipticity causes fluctuations in solar energy reaching Earth Signup and view all the answers

What did variations in Earth's orbit determine about sunlight intensity in the far North during summer months?

Orbit variations impact sunlight intensity significantly in all seasons Signup and view all the answers

Why can weak summer sunlight over years lead to snow accumulation resulting in ice ages?

Snow accumulation from weak summer sunlight can lead to ice ages Signup and view all the answers

What do Milankovitch cycles primarily focus on?

Variations in Earth's orbit and axial tilt Signup and view all the answers