Final answer:
The Earth's seasons are primarily caused by the tilt of the Earth and the shape of its orbit around the Sun. The tilt of the Earth causes varying amounts of sunlight to reach different parts of the Earth throughout the year, resulting in the changing seasons. The shape of the Earth's orbit also plays a role, with the Earth being slightly closer to the Sun during one part of its orbit and slightly farther during another part, influencing temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Earth's Seasons
The Earth's seasons are primarily caused by two factors: the tilt of the Earth and the shape of the Earth's orbit around the Sun.
Tilt of the Earth:
The Earth is tilted on its axis at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of sunlight throughout the year. When one hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it experiences summer, while the other hemisphere is tilted away and experiences winter. The tilting of the Earth is responsible for the changing angle and intensity of sunlight, which in turn affects temperature and weather patterns.
Shape of the Earth's Orbit:
The Earth's orbit around the Sun is slightly elliptical, meaning it is not a perfect circle. During a part of the Earth's orbit, known as perihelion, it is closest to the Sun, resulting in slightly warmer temperatures in the hemisphere experiencing winter. Conversely, during another part of the orbit, known as aphelion, the Earth is farthest from the Sun, resulting in slightly cooler temperatures in the hemisphere experiencing summer.
Learn more about Causes of Earth's seasons