Earth's Orbit and Axial Tilt
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Questions and Answers

If Earth's axis were perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic, what would be the constant location of the subsolar point?

  • The Prime Meridian
  • The Equator (correct)
  • The Tropic of Cancer
  • The Arctic Circle

What defines the plane of the ecliptic?

  • The plane that intersects the Earth's equator at a 23.5-degree angle.
  • The average distance between the Earth and the Moon.
  • An imaginary plane passing through the Sun and every point of Earth's orbit. (correct)
  • The plane passing through the Earth's rotational axis and the North and South Poles.

Which of the following is true regarding Earth's orbit around the Sun?

  • Earth's orbit is elliptical, with the Earth revolving around the Sun in a counterclockwise direction. (correct)
  • Earth's orbit is elliptical, with the Earth revolving around the Sun in a clockwise direction.
  • Earth's orbit is square, with the distance varying greatly throughout the year.
  • Earth's orbit is perfectly circular, maintaining a constant distance from the Sun.

What is the significance of the equatorial plane?

<p>It is defined as the parallel of 0 degrees latitude and divides the Earth into the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How long does it take for Earth to complete one full revolution around the Sun?

<p>365.24 days (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which term refers to the Earth's closest point in its orbit around the Sun?

<p>Perihelion (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate distance between the Earth and the Sun at aphelion?

<p>152,100,000 km (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the duration of one Earth rotation?

<p>24 hours (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the Earth's seasons?

<p>The combination of the Earth's rotation, revolution around the Sun, and the tilt of its axis. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Earth's axis maintains a constant alignment during its orbit around the Sun. What is the significance of this?

<p>It contributes to the predictable migration of the subsolar point, driving the seasons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The Earth's axis is tilted at approximately 23.5 degrees relative to the plane of its orbit. How would seasons be affected if Earth had no axial tilt?

<p>There would be no seasons. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the June Solstice, which area on Earth experiences 24 hours of daylight?

<p>The Arctic Circle (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The subsolar point migrates between which two latitudes throughout the year?

<p>The Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes Earth's polarity (parallelism)?

<p>Earth's axis points toward the North Star (Polaris). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the Earth's axial tilt were to increase to 45 degrees, what would be the most likely consequence?

<p>More extreme seasonal differences in temperature and daylight hours. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the revolution of the Earth around the Sun contribute to the change in seasons?

<p>In combination with Earth's axial tilt, different parts of the Earth are oriented towards the Sun at different times of the year. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If it is 3:00 PM GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), what time would it be in a location 45° east of the Prime Meridian?

<p>6:00 PM (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the June solstice, which of the following is true regarding daylight hours?

<p>The North Pole experiences 24 hours of daylight. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a traveler crosses the International Date Line from west to east, what adjustment should they make to the date?

<p>Go back one day. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During which equinox are the hours of daylight and darkness nearly equal everywhere on Earth?

<p>March Equinox (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which factor primarily determines the establishment of asymmetrical time zones around the world?

<p>Political boundaries (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a location is experiencing winter in the Southern Hemisphere, what season is being experienced in the Northern Hemisphere?

<p>Summer (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the declination of the subsolar point during the September equinox?

<p>0° (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how long does it take for the Earth to rotate 30° of longitude?

<p>2 hours (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the curvature of the Earth influence the angle of incidence?

<p>It causes the angle of incidence to be higher at low latitudes, leading to increased intensity. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the shape of the Earth, as it relates to the concept of Earth-Sun geometry?

<p>An oblate spheroid with a bulge at the Equator and flattened at the poles. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines the 'subsolar point'?

<p>The point where the Sun is directly overhead, resulting in a 90-degree angle of incidence. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a primary factor influencing the seasons on Earth?

<p>Earth's distance from the Sun. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If the Earth's axial tilt were significantly less (e.g., closer to 0 degrees), which of the following would be the MOST likely consequence?

<p>The disappearance of seasons as we know them, with more consistent temperatures year-round at most latitudes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the angle of incidence affect the intensity of solar radiation received at different latitudes?

<p>A higher angle of incidence concentrates solar energy over a smaller area, resulting in higher intensity. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship between the subsolar point and the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn?

<p>The subsolar point migrates between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn throughout the year. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the impact of increased atmospheric obstruction on sunlight?

<p>It decreases the intensity of solar radiation reaching the surface. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the September equinox, what characterizes the distribution of daylight and darkness across all latitudes?

<p>All latitudes experience approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

At which latitude is the sub-solar point located during the March equinox?

<p>Equator (0°) (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of the December solstice regarding the Southern Hemisphere?

<p>It experiences longer day lengths compared to the Northern Hemisphere. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

During the December solstice, which of the following is true regarding the duration of daylight at the Equator?

<p>Day length is approximately equal to 12 hours. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the December solstice affect regions south of the Antarctic Circle (66.5° S)?

<p>They experience continuous daylight for 24 hours. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do the sun's rays strike the surface of the Tropic of Capricorn during the December solstice?

<p>Perpendicularly. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a person is located at 45°N latitude, what is the primary difference they would observe in day length between the September equinox and the December solstice?

<p>Day length would be significantly shorter during the December solstice. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately describes the relationship between the sub-solar point and the equinoxes?

<p>The sub-solar point is located at the Equator during both the March and September equinoxes. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why do different time zones exist?

<p>To roughly align local time with the Earth's rotation relative to the sun. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If solar noon occurs at 1:00 PM local time, what does this indicate about the location's position within its time zone?

<p>The location is positioned on the eastern edge of its time zone. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do seasonal events typically influence human activities and cultural celebrations?

<p>Seasonal events and their connection with harvests heavily influence religious festivals. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of daylight saving time (DST)?

<p>To reduce energy consumption by maximizing daylight hours during standard working hours. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

If a location observes daylight saving time (DST) and solar noon occurs at 2:00 PM local time during the summer, what can be inferred?

<p>The location is on the eastern edge of its time zone in a time zone that observes DST. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best describes the relationship between time zones and longitude?

<p>Time zones generally follow longitudinal lines but are adjusted to accommodate political and geographical boundaries. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the concept of 'solar noon' relate to the position of the sun in the sky?

<p>Solar noon is the time when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Without knowing the exact positioning, how can structures like Stonehenge help us understand the connection between people, the seasons, and the Earth-Sun relationship?

<p>Stonehenge is aligned with significant solar events, indicating an awareness of seasonal changes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

What is an oblate spheroid?

Earth is not a perfect sphere, it's slightly bulging at the Equator and flattened at the Poles.

What is the Earth's equatorial circumference?

The distance around the Earth at the Equator.

What is the Earth's polar circumference?

The distance around the Earth measured from pole to pole.

What is Angle of Incidence?

The angle at which sunlight hits the Earth's surface.

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Angle of Incidence at low latitudes?

Lower latitudes receive sunlight at a higher or more direct angle.

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Angle of Incidence at high latitudes?

Higher latitudes receive sunlight at a lower or more slanted angle.

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What is the Subsolar Point?

The point on Earth where the Sun's rays hit at a 90-degree angle.

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What happens at the subsolar point?

The sun is directly overhead at this location.

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Equatorial Plane (Equator)

The parallel of 0 degrees latitude; divides the Earth into Northern and Southern Hemispheres.

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Rotation Axis

An imaginary line through Earth which the planet rotates around.

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North and South Poles

The points on Earth farthest from the Equator along the axis of rotation.

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Plane of the Ecliptic

An imaginary plane containing Earth's orbit around the Sun.

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Counterclockwise Revolution

Earth's movement around the Sun in a counterclockwise direction.

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Elliptical Orbit

The slightly oval-shaped path of Earth around the sun.

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Perihelion

The point in Earth's orbit when it is closest to the Sun.

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Aphelion

The point in Earth's orbit when it is farthest from the Sun.

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Cause of Seasons

The seasons are caused by the Earth's rotation, revolution, and axial tilt.

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Earth's Polarity

The Earth's axis maintains a constant direction in space, pointing towards Polaris.

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Earth's Axial Tilt

The Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5° relative to its orbital plane.

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Subsolar Point

The point on Earth where the Sun's rays hit perpendicular to the surface.

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Subsolar Migration Range

The subsolar point migrates between 23.5° N (Tropic of Cancer) and 23.5° S (Tropic of Capricorn).

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June Solstice

Around June 21st, when the North Pole is most oriented towards the Sun.

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Tropic of Cancer

The latitude 23.5° North of the Equator.

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Arctic Circle on June Solstice

All locations north of 66.5° N experience 24 hours of daylight.

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What is an Equinox?

Occurs in September and/or March, when all latitudes experience 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night.

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Circle of Illumination during Equinox

During an equinox, all latitudes are bisected evenly by the circle of illumination.

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Sub-solar point during the equinox

The location on Earth where the Sun's rays hit at a 90-degree angle directly overhead during the equinox.

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What is the December Solstice?

Around December 21st, when the sun's rays strike perpendicular to the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S).

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Day Lengths during December Solstice

During the December Solstice they are longer in the Southern Hemisphere and equal at the equator.

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Antarctic Circle during December Solstice

All points South of 66.5° south latitude experience 24 hours of light.

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What is the Antarctic Circle?

The parallel of latitude at 66.5° South

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Tropic of Capricorn

The sun's rays hit perpendicular to this latitude line during the December Solstice.

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September Equinox

Occurs around September 23rd, when the subsolar point is at 0° (Equator).

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December Solstice

Occurs around December 22nd, when the subsolar point is at 23.5° S (Tropic of Capricorn).

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March Equinox

Occurs around March 20th, when the subsolar point is at 0° (Equator).

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Global Time Zones

Each zone covers 15° of longitude.

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Prime Meridian

Standard 0° longitude line used as the reference for time zone system.

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International Date Line

180° meridian marking the start and end of each calendar day.

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Asymmetrical Time Zones

Result from political boundaries.

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Solar Noon

The time of day when the sun reaches its highest point in the sky.

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Time Zones

Regions that share the same standard time.

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Daylight Saving Time

The practice of advancing clocks during summer months to extend daylight hours.

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Seasonal Celebrations

Human activities and holidays often connected to seasonal events.

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Earth-Sun Relationship

Earth's relation with the sun

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Celestial Dome

An imaginary sphere surrounding the Earth, used to represent the positions of celestial objects.

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Spring

The season between winter and summer.

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Autumn

The season between summer and winter.

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Study Notes

  • Lecture slides, course notes, and educational resources are copyright-protected and for personal educational use only.
  • Copying and distribution of these materials is prohibited.

The Four Seasons

  • Earth's orbit around the sun, including revolution, rotation, & axial tilt, and the concept of angle of incidence & how it changes by latitude needs to be described.
  • The seasons relative to the Equator, the Tropic of Cancer, the Tropic of Capricorn, & the shifting subsolar point needs to be discussed.
  • How humans experience the Earth-Sun geometric relationship needs to be described.

Shape of the Earth

  • Earth is an oblate spheroid, which is a near-perfect sphere.
  • There is a bulge at the Equator, with a circumference of 40,075 km.
  • Earth is flattened at the Poles, with a circumference of 40,008 km.

Angle of Incidence

  • Curvature affects the angle of incidence by latitude.
  • Low latitudes have a higher angle of incidence and intensity.
  • High latitudes have a lower angle of incidence and intensity.
  • Subsolar point- the sun is directly overhead at a 90-degree angle.

Spatial Reference Points

  • Equatorial plane (Equator) is a parallel of 0 degrees latitude.
  • Earth has a rotation axis, North and South Poles
  • Plane of the ecliptic: an imaginary plane that passes through the Sun and every point of Earth's orbit

Earth's orbit around the sun

  • Earth revolves counterclockwise around the Sun.
  • One full revolution takes 365.24 days.
  • One rotation takes 24 hours.
  • The orbit is elliptical with two points:
  • Perihelion: the closest point in orbit.
  • Aphelion: the farthest point in orbit
  • The seasons are not caused by the distance from the sun.

Hypothetical Scenario

  • If the Earth's axis were perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic the subsolar point would always be at the Equator.
  • The circle of Illumination would always run directly North-South under these conditions

Cause of the Seasons

  • Seasons are caused by a combination of rotation, revolution, and tilt/inclination.
  • Earth's tilt, known as polarity (or parallelism) where the Earth's axis points towards the North Star (Polaris).
  • The axis is tilted 23.5° from the perpendicular to the plane of the ecliptic.
  • The axis maintains alignment during orbit around the Sun.

Migration of the Sub-Solar Point

  • The subsolar point migrates throughout the year between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5°N and 23.5° S).

Four Seasons

  • The four seasons are:
  • March Equinox- March 20
  • June Solstice- June 21
  • September Equinox- September 22
  • December Solstice- December 21

June Solstice

  • The North Pole is oriented most directly toward the Sun.
  • Sun rays at noon strike perpendicular to the surface of the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N of the equator), marking the sub-solar point.
  • All points North of the Arctic Circle at 66.5° north latitude experience 24 hours of light.
  • Aall points within 23.5 degrees of the North Pole)

September and/or March Equinox

  • All latitudes experience 12 hours of day and 12 hours of night.
  • All latitudes are bisected evenly by the circle of illumination.
  • The sub-solar point is located at the Equator.

December Solstice

  • Sun rays at noon strike perpendicular to the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S).
  • Day lengths are longer in the Southern Hemisphere.
  • Day length is equal at the equator.
  • All points South of the Antarctic Circle at 66.5° south latitude experience 24 hours of light.

Solstices and Equinoxes

  • June Solstice: ~June 22
  • September Equinox: ~Sept. 23
  • December Solstice: ~Dec. 22
  • March Equinox: ~March 20
  • Declination of Subsolar Point:
    • June Solstice: 23.5° N (Tropic of Cancer)
    • September Equinox: 0° (Equator)
    • December Solstice: 23.5° S (Tropic of Capricorn)
    • March Equinox: 0° (Equator)
  • Hours of Daylight by Location:
    • June Solstice: 24 hrs N. Pole, 12 hrs Equator, 0 hrs S. Pole
    • September Equinox: 12 hrs everywhere
    • December Solstice: 24 hrs S. Pole, 12 hrs Equator, 0 hrs N. Pole
    • March Equinox: 12 hrs everywhere
  • Season by Hemisphere:
    • June Solstice: N.H. Summer, S.H. Winter
    • September Equinox: N.H. Fall, S.H. Spring
    • December Solstice: N.H. Winter, S.H. Summer
    • March Equinox: N.H. Spring, S.H. Fall

Global Time

  • The Earth is divided into 24 time zones.
  • Each zone spans 15° of longitude, correlating to the Earth's 1-hour rotation over that distance.
  • This relates to the 24 hours needed for a full 360° rotation, calculated as 360°/24 hr = 15°/1 hr.
  • The Prime Meridian runs through Greenwich, England, is the standard 0° for the time zone system.
  • The International Date Line at 180° Meridian marks the start and end of each calendar day.
  • Asymmetrical time zones are the result of politics.

Earth-Sun Geometric Relationship

  • Solar Noon: the time of day when the sun reaches its highest point above the horizon.

People and the Seasons

  • Many human activities and holidays mark seasonal events, such as harvests and religious festivals.

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GEOG 1290 Section C Fall 2024 PDF

Description

Explore Earth's orbit, axial tilt, and their effects. Learn about the ecliptic plane, subsolar point, and the significance of the seasons. Understand solstices and the impact of axial alignment.

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