How many precession periods are in one cycle of Earth’s axis inclination variation? In one cycle of Earth’s orbit eccentricity variation? In the time span shown in Figure 2-11b, how many periods or fractions of periods did the Earth’s axis precess, nod, and Earth’s orbit change shape? Of the three periods, which is likely to have the most effect on the changes shown in Figure 2–11?
The number of precession periods in inclination change of one cycle of Earth’s axis, eccentricity variation of Earth’s orbit, and number of periods or period fractions of precision of Earth’s axis, nod, and change in shape of Earth’s orbit in time span given in figure 2.11b and also identify which one has more influence on changes plotted in figure 2.11.
Answer to Problem 14P
The number of precession periods in inclination change of one cycle of Earth’s axis is
The number of periods of eccentricity variation of Earth’s orbit is
Number of periods for a cycle of precision of Earth’s axis over time span given in 2.11b is
Number of periods for a cycle of nod over time span given in 2.11b is
Number of periods for a cycle of change in shape of Earth’s orbit in time span given in figure 2.11b is
Explanation of Solution
The precession period of Earth is around
Write the equation to find the number of precision period in a complete cycle of tilt change of Earth’s axis.
Here,
Time taken to complete one complete cycle of eccentricity variation of Earth’s orbit is almost
Write the equation to find the number of precision period in one complete cycle of eccentricity variation of Earth’s orbit.
Here,
The time span shown in figure 2.11b is
Write the equation to find number of precession periods or period fractions during
Here,
Write the equation to find number of nod periods or period fractions during
Here,
Write the equation to find number of periods for change in shape of Earth’s orbit or period fractions during
Here,
Conclusion:
Substitute
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Substitute
Figure 2.11 plots the temperature variation in Earth over many years. The prime important reason for seasons is the tilting of axis of Earth. So the changes in figure 2.11 is more influenced by
The number of precession periods in inclination change of one cycle of Earth’s axis is
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