Why does London experience spring in MAR-MAY,
summer in JUN-AUG, autumn in SEP-NOV, Winter in DEC-FEB?
HOW IS IT RELATED TO ROTATION & REVOLUTION?
The changes in seasons occur in London as a result of the combination of the Earth's rotation on its axis and its revolution around the Sun. Here's a detailed explanation of how this relationship leads to the different seasons:
1. Rotation: The Earth rotates on its axis, which is an imaginary line passing through its North and South Poles. This rotation takes approximately 24 hours, resulting in the alternation of day and night. Since the Earth is tilted on its axis by about 23.5 degrees, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year.
2. Revolution: The Earth revolves around the Sun in an elliptical orbit, taking about 365.25 days to complete one orbit. This orbital path remains nearly the same each year.
The combination of these two factors, rotation and revolution, leads to the changing seasons:
Spring (MAR-MAY):
During the spring season, the Earth's tilt results in London receiving more sunlight. As the Earth revolves around the Sun, London moves from a position where the North Pole is tilted away from the Sun (winter), to a position where the Earth is neither tilted towards nor away from the Sun (spring equinox). This equinox occurs around March 20th, when both Northern and Southern hemispheres receive roughly equal amounts of sunlight, signaling the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere.
Summer (JUN-AUG):
During the summer season, the Earth's tilt causes London to tilt more towards the Sun. This results in longer days, more direct sunlight, and warmer temperatures. Around June 21st, the Summer Solstice occurs, marking the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. London experiences peak sunlight during this time, leading to summer.
Autumn (SEP-NOV):
In autumn, the Earth's tilt starts to tilt away from the Sun. As London continues its revolution, the Northern Hemisphere experiences shorter days and less direct sunlight. Around September 22nd, the Autumnal Equinox occurs, marking the beginning of autumn. The decrease in sunlight leads to cooler temperatures and the changing colors of leaves.
Winter (DEC-FEB):
During winter, the Earth's tilt causes the North Pole to tilt away from the Sun, resulting in shorter days and less direct sunlight for London. This decreases the amount of heat and light reaching the area. On December 21st or 22nd, the Winter Solstice occurs, marking the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Winter continues until the Earth's tilt gradually brings London back towards spring.
In summary, the combination of the Earth's axial tilt and its revolution around the Sun determines the changing seasons in London, leading to the sequential occurrence of spring, summer, autumn, and winter.