If the Earth's rotation axis were tilted by 45 degrees instead of 23.5 degrees, what are some of the implications, and why?
A)The seasons would be less extreme, because the surface of the Earth would be farther from the Sun in the summer, and closer to the Sun in the winter.
B)The seasons would be more extreme, because the Sun's rays would be more direct in summer, and less direct in winter.
C)The seasons would be less extreme, because the Sun's rays would be less direct in summer, and more direct in winter.
D)The seasons would be more extreme, because the surface of the Earth would be closer to the Sun in the summer, and farther from the Sun in the winter.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The tilt of the Earth's axis affects the angle at which sunlight hits the Earth, not the distance from the Sun. A greater tilt would mean more direct sunlight during summer and less direct sunlight during winter, leading to more extreme seasons. Distance from the Sun due to Earth's elliptical orbit has a much smaller effect on seasonal changes than axial tilt.

If the Earth's Rotation Axis Were Tilted by 45 Degrees