Unit 3 Vocabulary

Front

Axis Tilt (Obliquity)

Back

The angle at which Earth is tilted from vertical (currently 23.5°); it affects how much sunlight different areas get during the year.

Front

Revolution

Back

Earth's movement around the Sun, taking approximately one year.

Front

Solstice

Back

The time when Earth’s tilt is most towards or away from the Sun, causing the longest or shortest days. (First day of summer and winter)

Front

Equinox

Back

The time of year when day and night are about equal length; occurs in spring and fall.

Front

Obliquity

Back

The changing tilt of Earth's axis between 22.1° and 24.5° over 41,000 years.

Front

Axial Precession

Back

Earth’s “wobble” on its axis over 26,000 years, shifting the timing of seasons.

Front

Eccentricity

Back

The shape of Earth’s orbit around the Sun, changing from more circular to more oval every 100,000 years.

Front

Perihelion

Back

The point when Earth is closest to the Sun.

Front

Aphelion

Back

The point when Earth is farthest from the Sun.

Front

Feedback Loop

Back

A chain reaction in Earth’s systems where one change affects another, either amplifying or stabilizing the outcome.