The Earth’s seasons also play a role in changes in the Earth’s weather. What causes the seasons to change?
The seasons change due to the tilt of the Earth's axis as it orbits around the sun. The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
During summer, the hemisphere tilted towards the sun experiences longer days and receives more direct sunlight, resulting in warmer temperatures. In contrast, during winter, the hemisphere tilted away from the sun experiences shorter days and receives sunlight at a more indirect angle, leading to colder temperatures.
The transition between seasons occurs during the equinoxes and solstices. An equinox happens twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is neither towards nor away from the sun, causing day and night to be almost equal in length worldwide. The vernal equinox marks the beginning of spring, while the autumnal equinox marks the start of fall.
On the other hand, a solstice occurs twice a year when the tilt of the Earth's axis is most inclined towards or away from the sun. The summer solstice, which is the longest day of the year, marks the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and winter in the Southern Hemisphere. The winter solstice, which is the shortest day of the year, signifies the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere.
Overall, the changing seasons are caused by the Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the sun, resulting in variations in the amount and intensity of sunlight received by different parts of the planet throughout the year.