Final answer:
Milankovitch cycles are changes in Earth's orbital pattern and axis orientation, which affect the planet's climate by altering the amount of solar radiation received. This leads to periodic changes such as ice ages and warmer interglacial periods, significantly impacting Earth's climate over tens of thousands of years.
Step-by-step explanation:
Milankovitch cycles are long-term changes in Earth's orbit and orientation that influence the planet's climate. The most prominent aspect of these cycles is the "axis wobble" or precession, which, along with the other elements such as eccentricity (shape of the Earth's orbit) and axial tilt, affects the amount of solar radiation Earth receives. These cycles lead to periodic changes in climate, including glacial and interglacial periods, over tens of thousands of years.
The changes in Earth's eccentricity can affect the distance from the sun, altering the distribution and intensity of solar radiation received. This can lead to variations in climate patterns, such as ice ages and warmer interglacial periods. For instance, during periods of high eccentricity, the difference between Earth's closest and farthest approach to the Sun is greater, which can amplify seasonal contrasts and potentially contribute to cooling or warming trends.
Milankovitch also theorized that the combination of colder winters and an increased albedo effect due to more snowfall could upset the delicate balance of the Earth's climate system enough to trigger an ice age. These variations are not responsible for rapid increases in temperature or levels of carbon dioxide, but rather participate in the natural cycles of climate change on geological timescales.