Question

use the diagram and prompt below to help you answer the next two questions.
predict how earths seasons would change if the earths tilt was increased to 45°. select the statements that describe the seasons if the earth were tilted 45°.

diagrams: normal 23.4 degree tilt, 45 degree tilt

(2 points)

□ the seasons would be similar to what we experience now.
□ the length of daylight during the summer would be shorter.
□ the difference between the seasons would be more extreme.
□ earths orbital path around the sun would be altered.
□ the number of days in a year would be altered.
□ the regions of the earth that experience 24 hours of sunlight during the summer would increase.
□ the number of days the poles experience 24 hours of darkness would increase.

Explanation:

1. Analyze each option:

• "The seasons would be similar to what we experience now": Incorrect. A larger tilt (45° vs 23.4°) would change seasonality.
• "The length of daylight during the summer would be shorter": Incorrect. A larger tilt would increase summer daylight in the hemisphere tilted toward the sun.
• "The difference between the seasons would be more extreme": Correct. A greater tilt means more extreme differences in solar energy receipt between seasons (hotter summers, colder winters in respective hemispheres).
• "Earth’s orbital path around the sun would be altered": Incorrect. Tilt doesn't affect orbital path (shape or size of orbit).
• "The number of days in a year would be altered": Incorrect. Tilt doesn't affect the time it takes Earth to orbit the Sun (which determines days in a year).
• "The regions of the earth that experience 24 hours of sunlight during the summer would increase": Correct. A larger tilt means the Arctic/Antarctic circles (where midnight sun occurs) would be at higher latitudes, so more area has 24 - hour sunlight in summer.
• "The number of days the poles experience 24 hours of darkness would increase": Correct. A larger tilt also means the polar night (24 - hour darkness) period at the poles would be longer as the tilt makes the poles face away from the Sun for a longer time in winter.

Answer:

• The difference between the seasons would be more extreme.
• The regions of the earth that experience 24 hours of sunlight during the summer would increase.
• The number of days the poles experience 24 hours of darkness would increase.