Milankovitch Variations

This figure shows the various astronomic cycles that influence long-term global climate cycles (Milankovitch cycles), plotted on the same time scale for easy comparison.

Go To:

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AMilankovitch_Variations.png

Robert A. Rohde

Wikipedia

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Teaching Tips

Students can calculate frequency of each cycle from the figure using a ruler and working out the 'scale.'

Different student groups could each plot the original datasets and discuss; this figure could be later provided as an easy takeaway summary of their efforts.

About the Science

Figure that shows the variations in Earth's orbit (precession, obliquity, and eccentricity), the resulting changes in solar energy flux at high latitude (solar forcing at 65 degrees N), and the observed glacial cycles. Also includes a graph of the last 5 glacial terminations.

About the Pedagogy

Good background information for students and teachers.

The "backwards" timescale, while potentially confusing, is the convention in paleoclimatology.

Technical Details

Easy to download and use.