Flashcard #1- The Solar System and its origin- The Sequel

Front

What are the Milankovitch Cycles?

Back

Milankovitch Cycles are long-term variations in Earth's orbit and axial tilt that affect climate patterns, including the timing and intensity of seasons.

Front

What is eccentricity in the context of Milankovitch Cycles?

Back

Eccentricity refers to the shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun, which varies from more circular to more elliptical over a cycle of about 100,000 years.

Front

How does axial tilt affect seasons?

Back

Axial tilt, or obliquity, affects the intensity and duration of seasons; a greater tilt results in more extreme seasons, while a smaller tilt leads to milder seasons.

Front

What happens to seasons if Earth's axial tilt is decreased?

Back

If Earth's axial tilt is decreased, the seasons will become milder, resulting in milder summers and milder winters.

Front

What is precession in the context of Milankovitch Cycles?

Back

Precession is the gradual shift in the orientation of Earth's rotational axis, affecting the timing of seasons over a cycle of about 26,000 years.

Front

What is the significance of the winter solstice?

Back

During the winter solstice, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, resulting in the shortest day and longest night of the year.

Front

What does Kepler's Third Law state?

Back

Kepler's Third Law states that the square of a planet's orbital period (T^2) is directly proportional to the cube of its average distance from the Sun (R^3).

Front

What is insolation?

Back

Insolation is the amount of solar radiation received by a given area, which varies with the angle of sunlight and the time of year.

Front

How does the angle of sunlight affect temperature?

Back

The angle of sunlight affects temperature because more direct sunlight (higher angle) results in higher temperatures, while lower angles result in cooler temperatures.

Front

What is the relationship between Earth's tilt and the seasons?

Back

Earth's tilt causes different parts of the planet to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, leading to the changing seasons.