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GCSE Geography · key term
Long-term cycles in the shape of Earth's orbit, its axial tilt and the direction of its axis, which alter the distribution and timing of solar energy received by Earth.
Used by Edexcel and OCR
Specification 2.2 · Paper 1
Long-term variations in the shape of Earth's orbit, its axial tilt and the direction of its axis, which alter the distribution of incoming solar radiation.
Revise: Natural Climate ChangeMilankovitch cycles are slow changes in Earth's orbit and axis which alter where and when solar radiation reaches the planet. Three changes work together.
Paper 1
Milankovitch cycles change the distribution of solar radiation between seasons and latitudes; do not assume that a more elliptical orbit automatically makes the whole Earth warmer.
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Together, these changes are called Milankovitch cycles. They affect the distribution and timing of solar energy, helping explain the repeated glacial and interglacial periods of the Quaternary.
Specification 2.1b · Paper 1, Paper 3
Long-term cycles in the shape of Earth's orbit, its axial tilt and the direction of its axis, which alter the distribution of sunlight reaching Earth.
Revise: Natural and Human CausesMilankovitch cycles are slow changes in Earth's movement and position relative to the Sun. They alter when and where sunlight reaches Earth, changing seasonal temperatures and contributing to long-term climate changes, including glacial and interglacial periods.