Question

Do the annual variations in earth-sun distance adequately account for seasonal temperature changes? explain.

Answer 1

The seasonal temperature change mainly depends upon the earth-sun distance. the earth revolves around the sun in an elliptical path. Hence during the course of revolution which takes about 365 days,the earth will be closer to sun during certain months and farther away during certain months. This will account for changes is temperature which leads to seasons.

Answer 2

The answer is No

The distance between the earth and the sun does not adequately affect or has very little effect on seasonal temperature variations. Rather, the angle (the tilt of the axis of the earth) is what accounts for the changes. If we account for the differences in temperatures normally experienced in winter versus summer; longer day hours result in warmer days. In addition, the altitude of the sun above the horizon affects how much solar energy will reach the earth’s surface.