#39 Cyclical Changes of Earth

What is the primary factor affecting the Earth's stability in space?

• The Earth's atmosphere

• The gravity of the Sun, planets, and Moon

• The Earth's magnetic field

• The Earth's core temperature

What is the angle of the Earth's axial tilt relative to its orbital axis?

• 15.5°

• 23.4°

• 30.2°

• 45.0°

How often does the angle of the Earth's axial tilt change between 22.1° and 24.5°?

• Every 10,000 years

• Every 41,000 years

• Every 100,000 years

• Every 5,000 years

What is the term for the Earth's wobble on its axis?

• Rotation

• Revolution

• Precession

• Oscillation

How long does one complete cycle of Earth's precession take?

• 10,000 years

• 26,000 years

• 50,000 years

• 100,000 years

What is the effect of precession on Earth's seasons?

• It changes the length of the seasons

• It alters the direction the Earth's axis is pointing

• It increases the temperature of the seasons

• It decreases the temperature of the seasons

How many years ago was the occurrence of the seasons opposite to what they are today?

• 5,000 years ago

• 10,000 years ago

• 13,000 years ago

• 20,000 years ago

What is the cycle duration for changes in the Earth's orbital eccentricity?

• 10,000 years

• 41,000 years

• 100,000 years

• 500,000 years

What is the eccentricity of a nearly circular orbit?

• 0.000055

• 0.0679

• 0.5

• 1.0

Describe the relationship between a GREATER axial tilt and the difference in seasons.

• Axial tilt has no effect on seasons.

• Larger extremes in seasons.

• Axial tilt only affects the equator.

• Milder changes in seasons