Sun-Earth Dynamics and Climate

Front

What causes the seasons on Earth?

Back

The Earth's 23.5-degree tilt and its revolution around the sun cause the seasons.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What happens during the vernal and autumnal equinox?

Back

The vertical ray hits the equator.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

Where does the vertical ray hit during the Summer Solstice?

Back

The vertical ray hits 23.5 degrees north (Tropic of Cancer).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

Where does the vertical ray hit during the Winter Solstice?

Back

The vertical ray hits 23.5 degrees south (Tropic of Capricorn).

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Front

What is eccentricity in the context of Earth's orbit?

Back

Eccentricity explains how close to a circle the Earth’s orbit appears to be and varies over a 100,000-year cycle.

Front

What is the range of Earth's tilt variation?

Back

The Earth's tilt varies from 22.1 to 24.5 degrees over a cycle that lasts approximately 41,000 years.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS3-5

Front

What is precession in Earth's orbit?

Back

Precession describes the wobble of Earth’s tilt, alternating between pointing towards Polaris and Vega on a 26,000-year cycle.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-2

Front

What orbital factors create an ice age?

Back

High eccentricity, a tilt of 22.1 degrees, and precession towards Polaris.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

Front

What orbital factors create a warming period (interglacial)?

Back

Low eccentricity, a tilt of 24.5 degrees, and precession towards Vega.

Tags

NGSS.HS-ESS1-4

Front

What empirical evidence supports the relationship between orbital forces and climate?

Back

Ice core and deep-sea sediment core samples.