Milankovich effect
Quick Summary
The Milankovitch effect, or Milankovitch cycles, describes long-term changes in Earth's climate driven by astronomical factors. These cycles are caused by predictable variations in Earth's orbit around the Sun and the tilt of its axis.12
Specifically, three orbital parameters are involved:
* Eccentricity: The shape of Earth's orbit changes from nearly circular to elliptical over cycles of 100,000 and 413,000 years.1
* Axial Tilt: The tilt of Earth's axis varies between 22.1° and 24.5° over a 41,000-year cycle. A greater tilt leads to more extreme seasonal differences in solar radiation.13
* Precession: A 26,000-year cycle, also known as the precession of the equinoxes, affects the timing of seasons relative to Earth's closest approach to the Sun.14
These variations alter the distribution of solar radiation across Earth's surface, influencing climate patterns and playing a significant role in pacing glacial-interglacial periods.12
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