S01GE3 Movements of the Earth in the Solar System

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Questions and Answers

What primarily causes the Coriolis effect?

Fluctuations in solar radiation.

The Earth’s rotation. (correct)

The Earth's orbital path around the sun.

The gravitational pull of the moon.

How does the Coriolis effect influence wind patterns in the Northern Hemisphere?

Winds are deflected to the right. (correct)

Winds are deflected to the left.

Winds are unaffected by the Coriolis Effect.

Winds move directly toward the equator.

In the Southern Hemisphere, how are ocean currents affected by the Coriolis effect?

Ocean currents are deflected to the right.

Ocean currents are not affected by the Coriolis effect.

Ocean currents are deflected to the left. (correct)

Ocean currents move directly from west to east.

What causes the alternation between day and night on Earth?

The Earth's rotation on its axis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of the International Date Line?

To manage day gain or loss when traveling. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How would crossing the International Date Line from East to West affect the calendar?

You would lose a day. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If the Earth did not rotate, what would be the effect on crossing the International Date Line?

There would be no gain or loss of a day. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What primarily causes the seasons of the year?

The earth's axial tilt and its elliptical orbit around the sun. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the angle of the Earth's axial tilt relative to the vertical plane?

$23\frac{1}{2}$ degrees (A) Signup and view all the answers

During the Northern Hemisphere's summer solstice, where is the sun directly overhead?

The Tropic of Cancer (B) Signup and view all the answers

What characterises the areas between 5° and 23½° North and South of the Equator?

Distinct hot-wet and cold-dry seasons. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a summer month for the Southern Hemisphere?

December (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is a typical characteristic of the North and South Poles throughout the year?

Very cold temperatures with difficult to distinguish seasons. (C) Signup and view all the answers

During what months does autumn occur in the Southern Hemisphere?

March, April and May (C) Signup and view all the answers

Where does the overhead sun move between throughout the year due to the earth's tilt?

Between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which locations never experience overhead sun?

Places south of the Tropic of Capricorn and north of the Tropic of Cancer (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'solstice' literally mean?

Sun-stand still (C) Signup and view all the answers

During the summer solstice, the Earth's pole inclined towards the sun experiences what?

Longest day of the year (D) Signup and view all the answers

On which date does the southern hemisphere receive the maximum intensity of the sun's rays?

December 22nd (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why are the lengths of day and night not the same across the world?

Earth's axial tilt (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the aphelion in the Earth's orbit?

The point farthest from the Sun (D) Signup and view all the answers

When does aphelion normally occur?

July 4th (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is perihelion?

The point nearest to the Sun (D) Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon occurs when the earth's poles are mostly inclined towards or away from the sun?

Solstice (A) Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how far is the Earth from the Sun at aphelion?

152 million kilometers (D) Signup and view all the answers

At what angle is Earth's axis inclined to its plane?

66.5 degrees (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate distance on the Earth's surface between one degree of latitude and another?

111 kilometers (D) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the distance measured along the Equator from West to East differ from that measured from North Pole to South Pole?

The Earth is not a perfect sphere, so its circumference is larger at the Equator. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is a primary function of longitudes?

Calculating local time at different places on Earth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If Mtwara is located east of Tunis, and the local time in Tunis is 3:00 pm, what will be the approximate local time in Mtwara given a 2-hour time difference?

5:00 pm (A) Signup and view all the answers

When calculating the difference in degrees between two locations on the same side of the prime meridian, what should you do with the degrees?

Subtract the smaller degree from the bigger degree. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate distance from the North Pole to the South Pole?

20,000 kilometers (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the angular measurement in degrees between the North and South Poles?

180° (D) Signup and view all the answers

How is the Tropic of Cancer measured from the equator?

23° N measured anticlockwise (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a key characteristic of latitudes?

They are parallel to each other. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do the lengths of latitude lines vary as they approach the poles?

They decrease in length. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is a longitude?

An imaginary line measured east or west from the prime meridian. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary use case of great circles?

Plotting the shortest path between two distant points. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In which fields are great circles utilized for navigation?

Shipping and aviation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using great circle routes for ships?

They save fuel and time. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do pilots utilize great circles?

To mark the shortest path between their origin and destination. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Why is the Earth not a perfect sphere?

Due to the presence of strong gravitational pull and the absence of centrifugal force at the poles. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most apparent evidence of the Earth's rotation?

The cycle of day and night. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which movement of the Earth enables us to monitor and predict natural world events?

Rotation on its axis. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Earth's rotation impact daily life?

It results in the alternation of day and night, essential for planning activities. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What term best describes the geometric shape of the Earth?

Geoid. (D) Signup and view all the answers

During which time of the day, does the opposite side of the Earth facing the Sun experience darkeness?

Night. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why does time and seasons influence earthling’s daily life?

To inform planning of activities. (C) Signup and view all the answers

During which equinox does the Southern Hemisphere experience six months of daylight without sunset at the South Pole?

Autumnal equinox (A) Signup and view all the answers

What celestial alignment causes a lunar eclipse?

The Earth passes between the moon and the Sun (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a location is experiencing the vernal equinox, what is likely occurring at the opposite pole?

Autumnal equinox (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of an eclipse?

Obstruction of light from the sun by the Earth or the moon (A) Signup and view all the answers

During a lunar eclipse, what is the position of the Earth relative to the Sun and Moon?

The Earth is between the Sun and the Moon. (B) Signup and view all the answers

The Earth's axis is tilted at approximately what angle relative to the perpendicular?

23.5° (B) Signup and view all the answers

In which direction does the Earth rotate on its axis?

Anticlockwise, from West to East (D) Signup and view all the answers

Approximately how many degrees does the Earth rotate in one hour?

15° (A) Signup and view all the answers

About how long does the Earth take to complete one full rotation on its axis?

24 hours (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why do we not feel the movement of the Earth's rotation?

We move with it, experiencing no relative motion. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the approximate speed of movement of a point on Earth's surface at the equator?

1600 kilometers per hour (A) Signup and view all the answers

The division of Earth into time zones is primarily based on what aspect of Earth's movement?

Its rotation on its axis (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the speed of Earth's rotation change from the poles to the equator?

The rotational speed increases from the poles to the equator. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If one degree of rotation equals 4 minutes of time, how many degrees of rotation are equal to 1 hour of time?

15 degrees (A) Signup and view all the answers

The Coriolis effect causes moving objects on Earth to be deflected, primarily due to which factor?

The Earth’s rotation (D) Signup and view all the answers

In which direction are winds and ocean currents deflected in the Southern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect?

To the left (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary driver behind the occurrence of day and night?

The Earth's rotation on its axis (B) Signup and view all the answers

When crossing the International Date Line from the West to the East, what happens to the calendar?

One day is gained (D) Signup and view all the answers

What would be the primary impact on timekeeping at the International Date Line if the Earth did not rotate?

There would be no effect on time keeping (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do locations on the Earth experience sunrise, noon, and sunset?

At different times of the day (B) Signup and view all the answers

The International Date Line primarily follows which meridian?

180° meridian (C) Signup and view all the answers

Why does the International Date Line zig-zag across land masses?

To avoid confusion across land regions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main effects on Earth due to its rotation?

Curving of winds and ocean currents (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is primarily responsible for the variation in timing of sunrise and sunset experienced at different locations?

The Earth's rotation (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the occurrence of seasons on Earth?

The Earth's axial tilt and its revolution around the Sun. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the Earth's axial tilt relative to its orbital plane?

An angle of 66.5 degrees. (D) Signup and view all the answers

During which months does the winter season typically occur in the Northern Hemisphere?

December, January, and February. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Where is the sun directly overhead during the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice?

The Tropic of Capricorn. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the Southern Hemisphere, when does the season of autumn occur?

March, April, and May. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the typical weather conditions in the areas between 5° and 23.5° North and South of the Equator?

Hot-wet and cold-dry seasons. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which regions on Earth are mentioned as never experiencing overhead sun?

The regions south of the Tropic of Capricorn and north of the Tropic of Cancer. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the effect of the change of overhead sun on different latitudes?

It creates the changing seasons and variations in daylight hours across latitudes. (B) Signup and view all the answers

During the Northern Hemisphere's winter solstice, in which direction is the Earth's pole inclined?

Away from the Sun. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the axial tilt of the Earth with respect to the vertical plane?

23.5 degrees (C) Signup and view all the answers

If a location is experiencing its winter solstice, what is the direct overhead sun position?

Tropic of Capricorn (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary cause of the variation in daylight hours at different latitudes?

The Earth's axial tilt and its revolution around the sun (A) Signup and view all the answers

Within a single year, places between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn experience differing sun positions, how would you describe the sun's movements in relation to those locations?

The sun moves northwards and southwards (C) Signup and view all the answers

If the Earth's rotational speed were to drastically increase, what would be the most immediate consequence related to day and night?

The length of a day would decrease and nights would become shorter. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Considering the Earth's shape is not a perfect sphere, which of the following statements is most accurate?

The Earth is slightly flattened at the poles due to the absence of centrifugal force and strong gravitational pull. (B) Signup and view all the answers

If a location is known to have hot-wet and cold-dry seasons, where is it most likely located?

Between 5° and 23½° North and South of the Equator (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the Earth's rotation relate to our ability to understand natural events?

It provides a framework for predicting events like the cycle of day and night. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the angle of the Earth's axis in relation to the orbital plane?

$66.5^{\circ}$ (D) Signup and view all the answers

How would life be different if the Earth's rotation drastically slowed down?

There would be longer periods of light and darkness, causing greater temperature variations. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What would be the most significant consequence if the Earth's axis was perfectly aligned vertically with its orbital plane?

The planet would have no noticeable seasons and consistent temperatures across the globe. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When does the Southern Hemisphere experience its autumn months?

March, April, and May (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a planet had a significantly larger radius than Earth but the same rotational speed, what difference would this have on the duration of daytime at the equator?

Daytime duration would hardly differ from Earth's due to the same rotational speed. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which is a true statement about the characteristics of polar regions regarding the seasons?

It is very hard to notice distinctions between seasons. (C) Signup and view all the answers

If it is spring in the Northern Hemisphere, what season would the Southern Hemisphere be experiencing?

Autumn (C) Signup and view all the answers

If the Earth's rotation dramatically reversed, what would be the most noticeable effect on our daily routines?

Sunrise would shift to the west, and sunsets would occur in the east. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a ship is travelling from a location at 45° N, 30° W to another location at 45° N, 150° E using a great circle route, how would its course initially trend relative to the latitude line?

The course would initially arc north of the 45° N latitude line. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Given that the distance from the North Pole to the South Pole is approximately 20,000 kilometers, what is the approximate circumference of the Earth at the equator, assuming the Earth was a perfect sphere?

Approximately 40,000 km (C) Signup and view all the answers

What significant property of the Earth's latitudes directly results in the uniform width between each line?

Their parallel nature (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the length of a degree of latitude near the equator compare to the length of a degree of latitude near the poles?

A degree of latitude is of equal length near both the equator and poles. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If a ship aims to travel the shortest distance between two ports located far apart from each other on Earth, using great circles, what is the main reason this method is optimal?

Great circles represent the shortest distance with smaller changes in bearings compared to other paths. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What causes the different phases of the moon as observed from Earth?

The changing angle at which sunlight illuminates the moon's surface as it orbits Earth. (C) Signup and view all the answers

A solar eclipse occurs when:

The Moon passes between the Earth and the Sun. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'umbra' during a solar eclipse?

The area where the light from the Sun is completely blocked. (D) Signup and view all the answers

A partial solar eclipse occurs when:

The Moon only partially blocks the sun's light from reaching the Earth. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a phase of the Moon mentioned in the figure?

New Moon (A) Signup and view all the answers

If the illuminated portion of the moon is increasing in visible size, which phase is it in?

Waxing phase (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the phenomenon called when the moon's shadow is cast on the Earth?

Solar Eclipse (C) Signup and view all the answers

What determines whether we see a full moon or a crescent moon?

The position of the moon in its orbit relative to the Earth and Sun, affecting how much sunlight is reflected. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason why solar eclipses visible from Earth are not more frequent?

The Moon’s orbit is not perfectly aligned with the Earth’s orbital plane around the sun. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If a solar eclipse is described as 'partial', what can be inferred about the umbra of the moon during the phenomenon?

The umbra only partially obscuring the sun's light. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If the Earth's axial tilt was $90^{\circ}$ relative to its orbital plane, what would be the most significant consequence?

The seasons would be much more exaggerated, with extreme temperatures and light differences. (A) Signup and view all the answers

During which event is the Earth's distance from the sun at its maximum (152 million kilometers)?

Aphelion. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What would be the most likely consequence of the Earth's orbit around the Sun being perfectly circular, rather than elliptical?

The occurrence of aphelion and perihelion would be eliminated. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the elliptical shape of Earth’s orbit primarily affect the intensity of solar radiation received on Earth?

It contributes to a slight variation in the intensity of solar radiation received at Earth’s surface throughout the year. (A) Signup and view all the answers

If the Earth had no axial tilt, what effect would this have on the lengths of day and night?

The lengths of day and night would be equal everywhere on Earth for the entire year. (B) Signup and view all the answers

During the Southern Hemisphere summer solstice, where is the sun's position most directly overhead?

The Tropic of Capricorn. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for the variation in day and night lengths across the Earth?

The Earth’s axial tilt relative to its orbital plane. (D) Signup and view all the answers

If the Earth's axial tilt were $0^{\circ}$, how would this fundamentally change our understanding of the concept of equinoxes?

Every day would be an equinox. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the most precise definition of the term 'solstice'?

A point in the Earth’s orbit when the poles are at maximum inclination to the Sun. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does the tilt of the Earth's axis specifically lead to the phenomenon of summer and winter seasons?

It alters the way the sun's rays strike various parts of Earth, leading to differences in sunlight intensity and the length of day. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Movements of the Earth in the Solar System

Earth is constantly moving, making it dynamic
This motion affects all life on Earth
This chapter covers Earth's rotation and revolution
Also explores imaginary lines on Earth's surface like parallels and meridians
Understanding these movements helps us understand the natural world and daily life
Enables us to predict and monitor Earth's events

Earth's Rotation

Earth rotates on its axis
Axis is an imaginary line joining North and South Poles
Rotation is anticlockwise (West to East)
Takes 24 hours to complete a full rotation (360°)
Rotation speed varies with latitude (fastest at equator, slowest at poles), approximately 1600 kilometers per hour at the equator
Evidence for rotation includes sunrise/sunset, day/night cycles, star trails, time zones, and the Coriolis effect (deflecting wind and ocean currents)
Earth bulges at equator due to centrifugal force and flattened at poles
Earth's rotation creates the Coriolis effect (deflecting wind and ocean currents), causing winds and ocean currents to curve to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Effects of Rotation

Day and Night: Different parts of Earth face the Sun, causing day and night
Time Differences: Rotation causes difference in time at different longitudes (one hour time difference per 15 degrees of longitude).
Earth's Shape: Rotation causes it to be slightly flattened at the poles and bulging at the equator due to the centrifugal force.
Tides: Gravitational forces of the Moon and Sun cause tides. The moon's gravitational pull is greater due to its proximity to Earth.
Deflection of Winds and Ocean Currents: Earth's spin causes wind and ocean currents to curve—right in the Northern Hemisphere, left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Sunrise/Sunset: The apparent movement of the Sun across the sky is due to Earth's rotation

Earth's Revolution

Earth revolves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit
Revolution takes approximately 365.25 days (one year)
This combined with Earth's tilt causes the seasons
Earth's axis is tilted at 23.5 degrees
Seasons are more pronounced between 23.5° and 66.5° from equator
This part has 4 major seasons
Places closer to the equator have more consistent weather
Effects of Revolution: Seasons, changes in daylight hours, and time zones
Earth's revolution causes differences in the apparent position of the Sun (changes in daylight and darkness)
Earth's revolution around the sun causes the seasons.

Solstice and Equinox

Solstices: Two points in Earth's orbit when the Sun is farthest from the equator (summer and winter)
Equinoxes: Two points in Earth's orbit when the Sun is directly over the equator (spring and fall)
Differences in daylight hours at different times of the year

Eclipses

Eclipses occur when one celestial body casts a shadow on another.
Lunar Eclipse: Earth passes between the Sun and Moon, casting a shadow on the Moon
Solar Eclipse: Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, casting a shadow on Earth. Different types of solar eclipses exist (total, partial, annular).
Eclipses are important for scientific study and have cultural significance

Parallels and Meridians

Parallels: Imaginary lines around the Earth parallel to the equator (latitude)
Meridians: Imaginary lines running from pole to pole (longitude)
These lines are used to determine locations on Earth precisely

Time Zones

Earth is divided into time zones to account for the differences in local time due to Earth's rotation.
The distance between time zones is consistently 1 hour.
The use of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) to standardize time globally
The International Date Line is the 180 degree line. Crossing the IDL results in a change of date (gaining or losing a day) depending on direction of travel.
The International Date Line is an imaginary line that follows the 180th meridian (or antimeridian of the prime meridian)

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Description

This quiz covers the dynamic movements of Earth, focusing on its rotation and revolution. Explore how these movements affect all life on Earth and understand the implications of imaginary lines like parallels and meridians. Gain insights into the daily phenomena such as day/night cycles and the Coriolis effect.