Earth Rotation and Revolution

Flashcards about Earth's rotation and revolution.

What is the effect of the centrifugal force caused by the speed of Earth's rotation?

Slight bulging at the Equator and the flattening of the two poles.

How does the speed of rotation vary from the equator to the poles?

The speed of rotation at the equator is much higher than at the poles.

What is the Coriolis Effect?

Deflection of winds and ocean currents from their normal path due to Earth's rotation.

What is Perihelion?

The minimum distance between the Earth and the Sun, occurring around January 3.

What is Aphelion?

The maximum distance between the Earth and the Sun, occurring around July 4.

What is the Plane of the Ecliptic?

The plane in which the Earth revolves around the Sun.

When does the Sun reach its northernmost limit, marking the Tropic of Cancer?

June 21st

When does the Sun reach its southernmost limit, marking the Tropic of Capricorn?

December 22nd

What is the latitude of the Tropic of Cancer?

23 1/2 degrees N

What is the latitude of the Tropic of Capricorn?

23 1/2 degrees S

What are the main factors that responsible for causing the seasons?

The Earth rotates on its axis, revolves around the Sun, and the tilt of the Earth's axis.

Equinoxes meaning

Equal nights, equal days

Solstice meaning

The Sun standing still

What is the Earth's axial tilt in degrees?

23 1/2

Which solstice occurs on June 21?

Summer Solstice

Which solstice occurs on December 22?

Winter Solstice