Final answer:
The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are imaginary lines located at 23.5° north and south of the equator, respectively. They mark the points where the sun is directly overhead during the solstices. Changes in Earth's tilt would alter the locations of these lines and affect seasonal variations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn are both imaginary lines parallel to the equator at 23.5° latitude. The Tropic of Cancer is located 23.5° north of the equator and receives direct sunlight during the Northern Hemisphere's summer solstice, typically occurring around June 20 or 21.
Conversely, the Tropic of Capricorn is positioned 23.5° south of the equator and receives direct sunlight during the Southern Hemisphere's summer solstice, around December 21 or 22.The Earth's tilt of 23.5° results in seasonal variations as different regions receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
The Arctic and Antarctic Circles, located at 66.5° from the equator, mark the boundaries where, during solstices, sunlight can be continuous for 24 hours or absent for 24 hours.
If the Earth's tilt were reduced, the seasonal variations across the globe would be milder. For instance, if the tilt was only 16 degrees, the Tropic of Cancer would be at 16° N latitude and the Arctic Circle at 74° N latitude.
The difference in latitude between them would be 58 degrees, and the seasonal changes would be far less pronounced than with the current Earth's tilt of 23°.