Chapter 2, Problem 1GST

To determine

The seasons if the axis of Earth were inclined 40 degrees rather than $23{\raisebox{1ex}{$1$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$2$}\right.}^{\circ }$ as is currently the situation. Also identify the position of the tropics of Cancer and Capricorn and the Arctic and Antarctic Circles.

Answer to Problem 1GST

If the axis of Earth were inclined 40 degrees, then the seasons would become more drastic characterized by hot summers and cold winters. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn would be located at ${40}^{\circ }$ north and south latitudes, respectively. The expansion of Arctic and Antarctic Circles also occurs because of this.

Explanation of Solution

Seasons result primarily due to the inclination of the axis. The orientation of Earth to the Sun continuously varies during its movement along the orbit, and it leads to seasonal variations. The axis of the Earth is not perpendicular to the plane of its orbit around the sun. Instead, it is tilted $23{\raisebox{1ex}{$1$}\!\left/ \!\raisebox{-1ex}{$2$}\right.}^{\circ }$ from the perpendicular and is known as the inclination of the axis.

When the axis of the Earth is inclined 40 degrees, then the seasons will be more drastic, and it will be characterized by colder winters and hotter summers. In such an incidence, the areas that already receive sunlight will have more direct sunlight during summer, and in winter, the rays of sun would be even more indirect. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn would be located at latitudes of about 40 degree north and south, respectively. The expansion of the Arctic and Antarctic Circles would occur since the area receives 24 hours of daylight or night that would extend farther toward the equator.