This topic contains a solution. Click here to go to the answer

Author Question: Describe the Milankovitch theory of climatic change by explaining how each of the three cycles ... (Read 70 times)

stock

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 573
Describe the Milankovitch theory of climatic change by explaining how each of the three cycles alters the amount of solar energy reaching Earth.
  What will be the ideal response?

Question 2

How does the Theory of Plate Tectonics explain climate change over periods of millions of years?
  What will be the ideal response?



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question
Marked as best answer by a Subject Expert

Natalie4ever

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 335
Answer to Question 1

ANSWER: The first cycle deals with changes in the shape (eccentricity) of Earths orbit as Earth revolves about the Sun. To go from less elliptical to more elliptical and back again takes about 100,000 years. The greater the eccentricity of the orbit (that is, the more eccentric the orbit), the greater the variation in solar energy received by Earth between its closest and farthest approach to the Sun. The second cycle takes into account the fact that, as Earth rotates on its axis, it wobbles like a spinning top. This wobble, known as the precession of Earths axis, occurs in a cycle of about 23,000 years. This affects the strength of seasonal variations in climate. The third cycle takes about 41,000 years to complete and relates to the changes in tilt (obliquity) of Earth as it orbits the Sun. Presently, Earths orbital tilt is 23.5, but during the 41,000-year cycle the tilt varies from about 22 to 24.5. The smaller the tilt, the less seasonal variation there is between summer and winter in middle and high latitudes. Thus, winters tend to be milder and summers cooler. During the warmer winters, more snow would probably fall in polar regions due to the airs increased capacity for water vapor. And during the cooler summers, less snow would melt. As a consequence, the periods of smaller tilt would tend to promote the formation of glaciers in high latitudes.

Answer to Question 2

ANSWER: According to plate tectonics, the now existing continents were at one time joined together in a single huge continent, which broke apart. Its pieces slowly moved across the face of Earth, thus changing the distribution of continents and ocean basins. We find glacial features near sea level in Africa today, suggesting that the area underwent a period of glaciation hundreds of millions of years ago. Were temperatures at low elevations near the equator ever cold enough to produce ice sheets? Probably not. The ice sheets formed when this land mass was located at a much higher latitude. Over the many millions of years since then, the land has slowly moved to its present position. Along the same line, we can see how the fossil remains of tropical vegetation can be found under layers of ice in polar regions today.




stock

  • Member
  • Posts: 573
Reply 2 on: Jul 13, 2018
:D TYSM


laurnthompson

  • Member
  • Posts: 334
Reply 3 on: Yesterday
Great answer, keep it coming :)

 

Did you know?

A recent study has found that following a diet rich in berries may slow down the aging process of the brain. This diet apparently helps to keep dopamine levels much higher than are seen in normal individuals who do not eat berries as a regular part of their diet as they enter their later years.

Did you know?

About 60% of newborn infants in the United States are jaundiced; that is, they look yellow. Kernicterus is a form of brain damage caused by excessive jaundice. When babies begin to be affected by excessive jaundice and begin to have brain damage, they become excessively lethargic.

Did you know?

Tobacco depletes the body of vitamins A, C, and E, which can result in any of the following: dry hair, dry skin, dry eyes, poor growth, night blindness, abscesses, insomnia, fatigue, reproductive system problems, sinusitis, pneumonia, frequent respiratory problems, skin disorders, weight loss, rickets, osteomalacia, nervousness, muscle spasms, leg cramps, extremity numbness, bone malformations, decayed teeth, difficulty in walking, irritability, restlessness, profuse sweating, increased uric acid (gout), joint damage, damaged red blood cells, destruction of nerves, infertility, miscarriage, and many types of cancer.

Did you know?

The FDA recognizes 118 routes of administration.

Did you know?

If you use artificial sweeteners, such as cyclamates, your eyes may be more sensitive to light. Other factors that will make your eyes more sensitive to light include use of antibiotics, oral contraceptives, hypertension medications, diuretics, and antidiabetic medications.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library