Which statement correctly explains a condition that leads to Earth’s different climates?(1 point)
Responses
The sun is located in the middle of Earth’s orbit.
The sun is located in the middle of Earth’s orbit.
Earth is the second planet from the sun.
Earth is the second planet from the sun.
Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 degrees from a true vertical orientation.
Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 degrees from a true vertical orientation.
Earth rotates around the sun.
Earth rotates around the sun.
The statement "Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 degrees from a true vertical orientation" correctly explains a condition that leads to Earth's different climates.
The statement that correctly explains a condition that leads to Earth's different climates is: "Earth’s axis is tilted 23.5 degrees from a true vertical orientation."
To understand how this leads to Earth's different climates, we need to understand how the Earth's tilt affects the distribution of sunlight on the planet's surface.
Because of the Earth's tilt, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year, creating the seasons. When one hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, it receives more direct sunlight and experiences warmer temperatures, resulting in summer. On the other hand, when that hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, it receives less direct sunlight and experiences colder temperatures, resulting in winter. The two remaining seasons, spring and autumn, occur when the Earth is in transitional positions in relation to the sun.
This tilt also affects the intensity and duration of sunlight received at different latitudes, leading to the creation of various climate zones. Near the equator, where the sunlight is most intense and direct throughout the year, we find tropical climates. As we move towards the poles, the angle of sunlight decreases, reducing its intensity and resulting in cooler climates.
Therefore, Earth's axis being tilted 23.5 degrees from a true vertical orientation is the condition that leads to Earth's different climates.