Milankovitch cycles
What Milankovitch cycles means in Geography GCSE, as defined for AQA, Pearson Edexcel.
Definitions of Milankovitch cycles
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Reference: AQA
Orbital changes involving variations in Earth's eccentricity (orbit shape), axial tilt, and precession (wobble), which alter the solar energy received and drive long-term glacial and interglacial periods.
Long-term variations in the Earth's orbit, tilt, and wobble that affect the distribution of solar radiation.
Topics that use Milankovitch cycles
- Climate change (AQA GCSE)
- The global climate was different in the past and continues to change due to natural causes (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Related terms
- Quaternary Period
- Afforestation
- Climate change adaptation
- Climate change mitigation
- Deforestation
- Enhanced greenhouse effect
- Ice cores
- International agreements
Using Milankovitch cycles in the exam
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