Expert: Jayendra Upadhye - 1/26/2008

Question
In which direction on the horizon does the sun appear to rise on July 4 in New York State?

Which observable change would occur in New York State if Earth's rate of rotation were one-half its present rate?

Why do surface ocean currents curve to the right in the northern hemisphere?

Why are summer days in New York State likely to be hotter than winter days?

Where will the highest altitude of the star Polaris be located?

What would result if Earth's tilt increased from 23.5 degrees to 33.5 degrees?

Answer
Carrie,
I know i am exposing myself to your wrath by what i am about to do! :)
But i would rather risk that than do a dumb spoon feed to someone i expect is a bright person!

So i will instead say a few things, leave a few things unsaid, and trust you will persevere and find "other things" by doing your own research! (on the web ofcourse).

1 - In which direction on the horizon does the sun appear to rise on July 4 in New York State? (find out on the web).

2 - Which observable change would occur in New York State if Earth's rate of rotation were one-half its present rate?
Carrie, Every where the days and nights would be twice as long..The tides would be more pronounced as there would be more time for water to accumulate in the tidal bulges of the oceans..

3 - Why do surface ocean currents curve to the right in the northern hemisphere?
Carrie, the law of conservation of energy makes it imperative for the ocean water moving polewards to still move as fast as it was moving when neasr the equatorial regions. But earth (the rock / land / ocean bottom part being solid, moves slowly as the latitude peripheri becomes smaller as one travels northwards. (less distance travelled along the latitude, in 24 hours so less speed. Naturally the water body advances against the land "relatively". This false acceleration (only relative one) is called "Coriolis" acceleration. [Mentioning that would floor your teacher!]
This happens to air also, triggering the mighty cyclone systems of the tropics.

4 - Why are summer days in New York State likely to be hotter than winter days?
Simple more average sunshine! More daylight hours!

5 - Where will the highest altitude of the star Polaris be located?
At the north pole, it would be directly overhead! 90 degrees.


6 - What would result if Earth's tilt increased from 23.5 degrees to 33.5 degrees?
You know Carrie, We have the seasons because of this 23.5 deg thing.
If it were to be increased to 33.5, the seasons would become more pronounced.
a) - The summer would be hotter, winter cooler, and so on.
b) - The pole star would show at 33.5 degrees altitude from the equator, looking north.
c) - The ocean currents would be stronger, and the tropical storms would be mightier.
d) - More guys could see the aroras!
e) - The sun's travel north to south would then span 2 * 33.5 = 67 degrees! From the current 47 degrees.
f) - The tundras would recede, and the tropics would widen! Spain would be torrid!
g) -  The polar ice caps would melt a lot and the sea level would rise!
So much for this last point! :)

Pls do rate the answer.
Jayen