The graph below shows the Milankovitch curve (refer to textbook Figure 14.20 for
ID: 109287 • Letter: T
Question
The graph below shows the Milankovitch curve (refer to textbook Figure 14.20 for details). Assume that the Earth’s axis of rotation is tilted at an angle of by 24.5° away from a right angle to the plane of the ecliptic while maintaining the same direction as today. Which of (A), (B) and (C) best represents the summer daily insolation condition at 65°N with such an angle? Why?
Note: just pay attention to the vertical axis, not horizontal. The choice is between above zero, about zero, and below zero, and the zero indicates today’s condition. So, explain the insolation change with respect to the tilt. Make sure to clearly understand the graph before answering.
The Milankovitch curve
The vertical axis shows fluctuations in summer daily insolation at latitude 65° N for the past 500,000 years. Negative shifts prevent summer snowmelt and allow ice to build up over a period of years, while positive shifts encourage snowmelt and reduce ice buildup. These fluctuations are calculated from mathematical models of the change in Earth–Sun distance and the change in axial tilt with time. The zero value represents the present value.
10 0 E-10 -20 C) 150 300 400 450 500 250 Thousands of years before present 50 100 200 350 0Explanation / Answer
The seasonal variations on earth occur mainly due to the tilt of the Earth's axis with respect to the vertical line.
And during a course of 40000 years the axial tilt varies from 21.5 to 24.5 degrees.
More the axial tilt means, more proximity to sun during summer and thus it will affect the affect solar insulation by increasing it.
Thus the correct choice will be A.
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