Question

the earths axis is tilted 23.5 degrees from the plane of its orbit around the sun. but this tilt changes. during a cycle that averages about 40,000 years, the tilt of the axis varies between 22.1 and 24.5 degrees. less tilt means less severe seasons: cooler summers and milder winters. the cool summers are thought to allow snow and ice to last from year-to-year in high latitudes, eventually building up into massive ice sheets. how would this seasonal change influence the overall climate on earth?
a the occurrence of milder seasons corresponds to the ice ages on earth.
b cooler summer and milder winters would result in an overall warming trend on the planet.
c an earth covered with more snow and ice reflects more solar radiation into space, causing additional cooling.
d with less severe seasons there would be less chance of severe weather and storms. less precipitation would result in additional warming.
e an earth covered with more snow and ice absorbs more solar radiation into the atmosphere, causing additional warming.

Explanation:

To determine the correct option, we analyze the relationship between Earth's axial tilt, seasonal changes, and climate. Cooler summers (from less tilt) allow snow/ice to persist, which reflects more solar radiation (albedo effect), causing additional cooling (ice ages). Option C describes this: more snow/ice reflects more solar radiation, leading to cooling. Option A is incorrect as milder seasons correspond to less severe ice ages. Option B is wrong because cooler summers and milder winters would lead to cooling, not warming. Option D's logic about less severe seasons and warming is flawed. Option E is incorrect as snow/ice reflect, not absorb, solar radiation.

Answer:

C. An Earth covered with more snow and ice reflects more solar radiation into space, causing additional cooling.