Final answer:
The tilt of the Earth's axis is the primary factor that controls the seasons on Earth. The tilt of the Earth's axis, not its distance from the Sun, is the primary factor that controls the seasons. The 23.5° axial tilt causes variations in sunlight received and length of days experienced in different hemispheres, which gives rise to distinct seasons.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary factor that controls the seasons on Earth is the tilt of the Earth's axis, not the distance between the Earth and the Sun. Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the Sun. When the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun, it receives more direct sunlight and experiences summer. In contrast, when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, it receives less direct sunlight and experiences winter.
The tilt of the Earth's axis, not its distance from the Sun, is the primary factor that controls the seasons. The 23.5° axial tilt causes variations in sunlight received and length of days experienced in different hemispheres, which gives rise to distinct seasons.
No, the tilt of the Earth's axis is actually the primary factor that controls the seasons, not the distance between the Earth and the Sun. The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5°, which means that during various times of the year different parts of the Earth will receive more direct sunlight than others. In June, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, causing it to experience summer as it receives more direct sunlight and longer days. Conversely, during winter, the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, leading to less direct sunlight and shorter days.
One line of evidence against the idea that our seasons are due to the Earth being closer to the Sun in summer and farther away in winter is the fact that the Earth is actually closest to the Sun in January, during the Northern Hemisphere's winter. Additionally, if distance were the primary factor, both hemispheres would experience the same seasons at the same time, which is not the case.
Seasonality and the intensity of seasons are affected by the obliquity of the Earth's axis. Higher obliquity means greater differences between summer and winter temperatures and conditions, while lower obliquity leads to milder seasonal changes.