GPN 25 Milankovitch Cycles

What are Milankovitch cycles?

• Changes in Earth's orbit and tilt

• Changes in the jet stream patterns

• Changes in the ocean currents

• Changes in the magnetic direction of the poles

What percentage of the Earth's land area is covered with glacial ice?

• 5%

• 10%

• 15%

• 20%

An interglacial period is when less than ___ of the world's surface is covered in ice.

• 10%

• 20%

• 30%

• 40%

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

• The tilt of Earth's axis

• The shape of Earth's orbit

• The speed of Earth's rotation

• The distance from the sun.

Obliquity refers to the ___ of Earth's axis.

• Shape

• Tilt

• Speed

• Distance

Precession is the change in the ___ of Earth's orbit.

• Shape

• Tilt

• Direction

• Speed

When was the Milanokovitch cycles theory created?

• 1940s

• 1890s

• 1840s

• 1790s

Milankovitch cycles explain long-term changes in ___.

• Ocean currents

• Climate patterns

• Animal migration

• Plant growth

During an interglacial period, the Arctic and Antarctic circles start at ___ degrees north and south of the equator.

• 30

• 45

• 60

• 75

What is the estimated duration of a Milankovitch cycle according to Milankovitch?

• 10,000 years

• 50,000 years

• 100,000 years

• 200,000 years