The image below shows the axial tilt of the Earth as 23.5o. Please select the correct answer to each question below if the axial tilt of the Earth increased from 23.5o to 27o. The amplitude of the seasonal cycle at any location would [ Select ] increase stay the same decrease ? At most locations the difference in day length between winter and summer would [ Select ] decrease stay the same increase ? The temperature difference between the Northern Hemisphere summer and Southern Hemisphere winter would [ Select ] decrease increase stay the same ? At most locations the difference in extraterrestrial radiation at the top of the atmosphere between summer and winter would decrease ?

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The scenario asks how several climate-related quantities would respond if Earth's axial tilt increased from 23.5° to 27°. Below, I examine each statement in turn, noting how a larger tilt amplifies seasonality in insolation and related effects, and addressing why other possibilities do not align with the physics. First statement: The amplitude of the seasonal cycle at any location would increase. - Why this is plausible: A larger axial tilt intensifies the difference between hemispheric summer and winter sunlight, leading to hotter summers and colder winters and thus a bigger seasonal swing in temperature and related variables. In terms of insolation geometry, the sun’s elevation varies more across the year, which amplifies seasonal ......Login to view full explanation

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