Earth Systems & Resources

Distance from the moon.

The tilt of Earth with respect to its orbital plane.

Geothermal activity within Earth.

Magnetic field fluctuations of Earth.

Wind power

Geothermal energy

Fossil fuels

Solar radiation

Equinoxes have approximately equal lengths of day and night, while solstices have the longest and shortest days of the year.

Equinoxes occur in the tropics, while solstices occur at the poles.

Equinoxes are determined by lunar phases, while solstices are determined by solar eclipses.

Equinoxes mark the transition from summer to winter, while solstices mark the transition from spring to autumn.

The tilt of Earth’s axis as it orbits the Sun

The distance between Earth and the Sun changing throughout the year

Changes in solar radiation intensity alone

The Moon’s gravitational pull on Earth

No effect; latitude has no impact on seasonal temperature variations.

Greater seasonal temperature variations occur at higher latitudes

Less season variation occurs because they always receive indirect, angled sunlight throughout the year

Less seasonal variation occurs because those areas receive constant, direct sunlight all year round

Variations in albedo effect from changing ice cover influencing heat absorption.

The axial tilt of the planet affecting directness of solar radiation received.

The revolution of Earth around the sun altering solar intensity levels.

Shifting ocean currents redistributing thermal energy globally over time.

Increased urbanization can lower albedo leading to higher local temperatures and potentially altered precipitation levels.

Decreased oceanic albedo intensifies global water evaporation rates causing increased cloud cover worldwide.

Higher albedo from reforestation efforts uniformly decreases regional temperatures leading to prolonged frost seasons.

Altered desert surfaces raise albedo thus reducing nearby oceanic temperature through reflective cooling mechanisms.

The Equator

The North and South Poles

The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn

The Arctic and Antarctic Circles

Fall

Spring

Winter

Summer

Development of centralized waste treatment facilities focusing solely on wastewater purification.

Construction of vast underground sewer systems to quickly channel stormwater away from urban centers.

Extension of conventional road networks and impervious surfaces, exacerbating stormwater accumulation.

Creation and implementation of permeable pavement systems to enhance groundwater recharge and decrease runoff.