- #1
Rod Alexei
- 29
- 0
What causes the change in the axial tilt of the earth? Why does it change?
Change in Axial Obliquity of the Earth's Spin Axis
- Thread starter Rod Alexei
- Start date
-
- Tags
- Axial Axis Change Earth science Spin
In summary, the change in the axial tilt of the earth is caused by precession, which is a result of perturbations by other planets. This precession creates a quasiperiodic Spirograph pattern that causes the Earth's obliquity to vary by a few degrees every 41,000 years.
- #2
berkeman
Mentor
- 68,278
- 21,972
A Google search on your sentence produces lots of useful hits...Rod Alexei said:
https://www.google.com/search?q=Wha...he+axial+tilt+of+the+earth?&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8
- #3
lpetrich
- 988
- 180
That is because the Earth's orbit also precesses. It does so as a result of perturbations by other planets. This precession is a complicated quasiperiodic Spirograph pattern -- its orbit's north pole moves by a few degrees over something like 70,000 years. It makes the Earth's obliquity vary a few degrees with an approximate period of 41,000 years.
FAQ: Change in Axial Obliquity of the Earth's Spin Axis
What is axial obliquity?
Axial obliquity refers to the angle between the Earth's rotational axis and its orbital plane around the sun. It determines the tilt of the Earth's axis, which is currently at about 23.5 degrees.
How does the Earth's axial obliquity change?
The Earth's axial obliquity changes over time due to various factors, such as gravitational interactions with other planets and the Earth's own internal processes. It can also be affected by external forces, such as changes in the Earth's orbit and the distribution of mass on the planet.
What is the current axial obliquity of the Earth?
The current axial obliquity of the Earth is approximately 23.5 degrees. This has been relatively stable for the past 10,000 years, but it has varied between 22.1 and 24.5 degrees over the course of the Earth's history.
How does the change in axial obliquity impact the Earth's climate?
The change in axial obliquity can have significant impacts on the Earth's climate. A larger axial tilt can result in more extreme seasons, while a smaller tilt can lead to more mild climates. It can also affect the distribution of sunlight on the Earth's surface, which can impact weather patterns and the growth of plants.
Can we predict future changes in axial obliquity?
While we can make predictions about future changes in axial obliquity based on current data and models, it is not a completely predictable phenomenon. The Earth's obliquity is affected by many complex factors, making it difficult to accurately forecast long-term changes.