If Earth's axis of rotation suddenly became perpendicular to the plane of its orbit, the most predictable effect would be
A)no more night and day.
B)a big change in the length of the year.
C)a cooling of the equator.
D)a loss of seasonal variation at high latitudes.
E)the elimination of ocean currents.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

If Earth's axis were perpendicular to the plane of its orbit, there would be no seasonal variation at high latitudes. Since the Earth's axial tilt is responsible for the different seasons experienced in the Northern and Southern hemisphere, the elimination of this tilt would result in a loss of seasonal variation. However, this would not affect the night and day cycle, the length of the year, the cooling of the equator, or the elimination of ocean currents.

If Earth's Axis of Rotation Suddenly Became Perpendicular to the Plane