Final answer:
The tilt of the Earth's axis causes summers in the United States to be warmer than winters due to the more direct angle of sunlight and longer daylight hours.
Step-by-step explanation:
The major reason the summers are warmer in the United States has to do with the tilt of Earth's axis. Two ways this tilt influences warmer summers are:
- The angle at which sunlight hits the Earth: During summer, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, causing sunlight to hit more directly. This direct angle leads to more intense sunlight and warmer temperatures.
- The length of the day: In summer, the Sun stays above the horizon for a longer time, providing more hours of daylight and thus more time for the Sun to warm the Earth.
These effects combine to create the seasonal temperature changes we experience.