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Chapter 2: Problem 55

Describe how the seasons would be different if the Earth's axis of rotation, rather than having its present \(23 \frac{1}{2}^{\circ}\) tilt, were tilted (a) by \(0^{\circ}\) or (b) by \(90^{\circ}\).

Short Answer

Expert verified
The seasons would be significantly different than what we experience now. If the tilt were \(0^{\circ}\), there would be no seasons, as all regions of Earth would be exposed to a constant amount of sunlight over the course of a year. If the tilt were \(90^{\circ}\), regions near the poles would have extreme seasons, with half a year of constant daylight followed by half a year of constant night, while regions near the equator would have perpetual twilight or darkness.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding Effects of Earth's Tilt

The tilt of Earth's axis (23.5°) is what causes seasons as it leads to variations in the amount of sunlight hitting different regions of the planet at different times of the year. If the Earth's axis tilt changes, the nature of seasons on Earth would also change.
02

Tilt Adjustment to 0°

If the Earth's axis of rotation were tilted at \(0^{\circ}\), that would mean it's not tilted at all - it's perpendicular to the direction of the Sun's rays. In this scenario, every place on Earth would experience the same amount of daylight every day throughout the year. So there would be no variation in seasons as we presently experience. All areas on Earth would have a constant and unchanging climate throughout the year.
03

Tilt Adjustment to 90°

If the Earth's axis of rotation were tilted by \(90^{\circ}\), the pole of the Earth would point directly at the Sun on the summer solstice, whilst the other pole would point directly away from the Sun. This would cause one pole to experience constant day for half a year, and constant night for the remaining half. The opposite would be true for the other pole. Places along the equator would experience a situation similar to sunrise or sunset for half a year and total darkness for the other half.

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