The three factors that contribute to the periodic changes in Earth's temperature known as the Milankovitch cycle are:
1. Eccentricity: The shape of Earth's orbit around the Sun changes over time from a more elliptical (higher eccentricity) to a more circular (lower eccentricity) shape, which affects the amount of solar radiation reaching Earth.
2. Axial tilt: The tilt of Earth's axis changes between approximately 22.1° and 24.5° over a cycle of about 41,000 years. This variation in axial tilt affects the distribution of sunlight throughout the year and the intensity of seasons.
3. Precession: Earth's axis also wobbles or precesses like a spinning top, completing a full precession cycle in about 26,000 years. This precession affects the timing of seasons with respect to Earth's position in its orbit.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Eccentricity.
Which of the following is one of the three factors that contribute to the periodic changes in earth temperature known as the milankovitch cycle
1 answer