ESS101C
Prof.
Jin-Yi Yu
How Does the Tilt Affect Climate?
qAt present-day, the axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5°, referred
to as Earth’s “obliquity”, or “tilt”.
qThe Sun
moves back and forth through the year between 23.5°N and 23.5°S.
qEarth’s 23.5° tilt also defines the 66.5° latitude
of the Artic and Antarctic circles. No sunlight reaches latitudes higher than this in winter
day.
qThe tilt
produces seasons!!
(from Earth’s Climate: Past and Future)