Final answer:
If the Earth's axial tilt were 16 degrees, the Tropic of Cancer would be located at 16 degrees N latitude, and the Arctic Circle would be at 74 degrees N latitude, resulting in milder seasonal variations and less extreme climates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question relates to the Earth's axial tilt and its seasonal variations. Specifically, it addresses the implications of a change in the Earth's tilt from the current 23.5 degrees to 16 degrees. The Tropic of Cancer is presently at 23.5 degrees N latitude, marking the most northerly point on Earth to receive direct sunlight at the summer solstice. The Arctic Circle is at 66.5 degrees N latitude (90 degrees minus the tilt of 23.5 degrees), marking the point at which there is 24 hours of daylight on the summer solstice. If the Earth's tilt were 16 degrees, the Tropic of Cancer would move to a lower latitude of 16 degrees N, and the Arctic Circle would be at a higher latitude of 74 degrees N (90 degrees minus 16 degrees).
The difference in latitude between the Arctic Circle and the Tropic of Cancer would then be 58 degrees (74 degrees N - 16 degrees N). A tilt of 16 degrees would result in milder seasons, with less variation in day length and temperature throughout the year. As direct sunlight becomes less variable with a smaller tilt, both polar and tropical regions would experience less extreme seasonal changes.