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Geography Assignment Rotation Revolution

BA 1ST YEAR ASSIGNMENT OF GEOGRAPHY.

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itzanuraag
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37 views2 pages

Geography Assignment Rotation Revolution

BA 1ST YEAR ASSIGNMENT OF GEOGRAPHY.

Uploaded by

itzanuraag
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Rotation and Revolution of the Earth

1. Introduction

The Earth's rotation and revolution are fundamental processes that shape the life and environment

on the planet.

While rotation refers to the Earth spinning around its axis, revolution is the movement of Earth

around the Sun. These two movements govern time, seasons,

and climate on Earth, making them critical in the study of geography and astronomy.

2. Earth's Rotation

What is Rotation?

The Earth rotates around an imaginary axis that runs from the North Pole to the South Pole. This

axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5° relative to the plane of the Earth's orbit. A complete rotation takes

approximately 24 hours, creating the cycle of day and night. The Earth rotates from west to east,

which is why the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.

Effects of Rotation

- Day and Night: As the Earth rotates, different parts of the planet are exposed to sunlight, causing

the cycle of day and night.

- Coriolis Effect: Rotation causes moving air and water to curve, influencing global wind patterns and

ocean currents.

- Time Zones: The Earth is divided into 24 time zones, based on its rotation.

- Star Motion: The rotation causes the apparent movement of stars and celestial objects across the

sky.

3. Earth's Revolution

What is Revolution?

Revolution is the movement of the Earth around the Sun in an elliptical orbit. The Earth takes

approximately 365.25 days to complete one orbit, which is why we add an extra day every four

years (leap year).

Effects of Revolution
- Seasons: The axial tilt of the Earth causes different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of

sunlight throughout the year, leading to seasons.

- Elliptical Orbit: The Earth's distance from the Sun changes during the year, though this doesn't

directly cause the seasons. Instead, it is the tilt that leads to varying sunlight.

4. Combination of Rotation and Revolution

Together, the Earth's rotation and revolution create a dynamic environment that influences

the climate and weather patterns. While rotation governs the daily cycle of day and night,

revolution is responsible for the seasons. Both movements also influence the length of days

and nights throughout the year. For instance, during the summer solstice, days are longer in

the Northern Hemisphere, while during the winter solstice, nights are longer.

5. Interesting Facts

- Slowing Rotation: The Earth's rotation is gradually slowing due to tidal forces exerted by

the Moon. Over millions of years, this will lengthen our days.

- Axial Precession: The Earth's axis wobbles slightly, completing a full cycle approximately

every 26,000 years, slowly changing the orientation of the poles.

- Tropical Year vs Sidereal Year: The tropical year, which dictates the seasons, is slightly

shorter than the sidereal year (Earth's full revolution relative to fixed stars) due to axial

precession.

6. Conclusion

The Earth's rotation and revolution are crucial in shaping the environment. These processes

not only determine day and night but also create the seasons, affecting ecosystems and

human life. Understanding these movements deepens our knowledge of Earth's place in the

solar system and the ongoing changes in our climate.

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