Milankovitch theory
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-007303
A astronomical theory proposing that long-term climate changes, particularly the glacial and interglacial cycles of the Pleistocene epoch, are driven by periodic variations in Earth's orbital parameters. These parameters include eccentricity, axial tilt (obliquity), and precession, which collectively alter the distribution and intensity of solar radiation received by the Earth. The cycles operate on timescales of approximately 20,000, 41,000, and 100,000 years.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-007303 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-007303",
"term": "Milankovitch theory",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definition": "A astronomical theory proposing that long-term climate changes, particularly the glacial and interglacial cycles of the Pleistocene epoch, are driven by periodic variations in Earth's orbital parameters. These parameters include eccentricity, axial tilt (obliquity), and precession, which collectively alter the distribution and intensity of solar radiation received by the Earth. The cycles operate on timescales of approximately 20,000, 41,000, and 100,000 years.",
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/milankovitch-theory/"
}
Record 6,119 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.