How would global climate be affected if Earth’s orbital path did not include an axial precession?
Select all that apply.
Responses
The yearly timing of when the seasons actually begin would be more consistent.
There would be no seasonal changes because each hemisphere would experience one season year-round.
Earth’s eccentricity would also change to a more standard circular path, moderating global climate.
There would be similarity in the seasonal changes in both hemispheres.
The first response is correct: The yearly timing of when the seasons actually begin would be more consistent, as the axial precession affects the timing of the seasons.
The second response is incorrect: There would still be seasonal changes because the axial tilt of the Earth causes the changing seasons, not the axial precession.
The third response is incorrect: The Earth's eccentricity is not directly related to the axial precession.
The fourth response is correct: Without axial precession, there would be similarity in the seasonal changes in both hemispheres.
The correct responses are:
1. The yearly timing of when the seasons actually begin would be more consistent.
2. There would be no seasonal changes because each hemisphere would experience one season year-round.
Explanation:
Axial precession is the gradual change in the orientation of Earth's rotational axis. This change in axial tilt affects the timing and intensity of the seasons. If Earth's orbital path did not include axial precession, the yearly timing of when the seasons begin would be more consistent. This means that each season would start at the same time every year.
Additionally, without axial precession, there would be no changes in the tilt of Earth's axis, and each hemisphere would experience the same season year-round. This means that one hemisphere would not have different seasons throughout the year, but rather one prolonged season.