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Rotation and Revolution of Earth

The document discusses the Earth's rotation and revolution, detailing their definitions, time taken, and effects such as day and night, seasons, and time differences. It explains the concept of leap years and describes solstices and equinoxes, highlighting their significance in relation to the Earth's position. Additionally, it introduces the Circle of Illumination, which represents the division between day and night on Earth.

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116 views2 pages

Rotation and Revolution of Earth

The document discusses the Earth's rotation and revolution, detailing their definitions, time taken, and effects such as day and night, seasons, and time differences. It explains the concept of leap years and describes solstices and equinoxes, highlighting their significance in relation to the Earth's position. Additionally, it introduces the Circle of Illumination, which represents the division between day and night on Earth.

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khvjhds89k
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© All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

ICSE Class IX Geography - Chapter 3: Rotation and Revolution

1. Rotation of the Earth

- Definition: The Earth spins on its axis from west to east. This movement is called rotation.

- Time taken: 24 hours (1 day).

- Direction: West to East.

- Speed: 1670 km/h at the equator.

- Axis Tilt: The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 66½ degrees with the plane of its orbit (or 23½ degrees

from the vertical).

Effects of Rotation

1. Occurrence of Day and Night: Half the Earth faces the Sun (day), the other half faces away (night).

2. Sunrise and Sunset: Due to rotation, the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west.

3. Coriolis Effect: Winds and ocean currents deflect due to rotation - to the right in the Northern Hemisphere

and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

4. Time Difference: The Earth rotates 360 degrees in 24 hours, i.e., 15 degrees per hour, leading to

differences in local time.

2. Revolution of the Earth

- Definition: The Earth moves around the Sun in a fixed path called an orbit.

- Shape of Orbit: Elliptical.

- Time Taken: Approximately 365¼ days (1 year).

- Speed: 29.8 km/s.

Effects of Revolution

1. Change in Seasons: Caused due to revolution and the tilt of the Earth's axis.

2. Variation in Day and Night Duration: Length of day and night changes throughout the year depending on

Earth's position in its orbit.

3. Solstices and Equinoxes: Due to Earth's revolution and axial tilt.

3. Leap Year
ICSE Class IX Geography - Chapter 3: Rotation and Revolution

- Since the Earth takes 365¼ days to revolve around the Sun, ¼ day is added every year.

- Every fourth year, this adds up to 1 full day, which is added to February (29 days).

- Such a year has 366 days and is called a leap year.

4. Solstices

Summer Solstice (June 21):

- Northern Hemisphere tilted towards the Sun.

- Longest day and shortest night.

- Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Cancer.

Winter Solstice (December 22):

- Southern Hemisphere tilted towards the Sun.

- Shortest day and longest night.

- Sun is overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn.

5. Equinoxes

Vernal Equinox (March 21) and Autumnal Equinox (September 23):

- Sun is directly overhead at the Equator.

- Day and night are equal all over the Earth.

6. Circle of Illumination

- The imaginary line that divides the lit (day) and dark (night) parts of the Earth.

- It changes with seasons because of the tilt and revolution.

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