Astronomical Control of Solar Radiation

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to the astronomical control of solar radiation and the associated cycles that influence Earth's climate.

Obliquity

The axial tilt of the Earth, which varies in a cycle of approximately 41,000 years.

Precession

The long-term wobbling motion of the Earth's axis, affecting the position of solstices and equinoxes, with a cycle of approximately 25,700 years.

Eccentricity

The shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun, which varies from circular to elliptical over a cycle of about 100,000 years.

Solstice

The time during the year when the Sun reaches its highest or lowest point in the sky at noon, resulting in the longest and shortest days.

Equinox

The time of year when day and night are of approximately equal length, occurring twice a year.

Perihelion

The point in Earth's orbit where it is closest to the Sun, currently occurring on January 3rd.

Aphelion

The point in Earth's orbit where it is farthest from the Sun, currently occurring on July 4th.

Milankovitch Cycles

The collective name for the three cycles (obliquity, precession, eccentricity) that affect Earth's climate over long periods.

Seasonal Changes

Variations in climate and weather patterns throughout the year, primarily caused by Earth's axial tilt and orbit around the Sun.

Insulation Curves

Graphs representing solar radiation received at different latitudes during various times of the year, showing the dominance of cycles.