Final answer:
Seasons on Earth are caused by its axial tilt of 23.5° and not by the distance from the Sun, resulting in varying sunlight angles and day lengths throughout the year. This causes each hemisphere to experience opposite seasons with more pronounced differences at higher latitudes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The seasons on Earth are a result of the planet's 23.5° axial tilt as it revolves around the Sun. During the year, each hemisphere leans into or away from the Sun at different times, causing variations in daylight and the intensity of solar radiation received. In June, for instance, the Northern Hemisphere experiences summer as it is tilted towards the Sun resulting in more direct sunlight and longer days. Conversely, in December, the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, getting more direct sunlight and experiencing summer, while the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter.
The common misconception that seasons arise from the varying distance between Earth and the Sun is incorrect; the Earth's elliptical orbit causes only a minor 3% change in distance, insufficient for significant temperature shifts. Instead, the axial tilt is crucial as it influences the angle and duration of sunlight hitting different parts of the Earth, which dictates our seasons. Additionally, climate variations are more pronounced at higher latitudes, and the seasons are opposite in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.