Final answer:
The latitude of New Jersey, being in the mid-latitudes, results in a temperate climate with defined seasons due to the earth's axial tilt, leading to variations in direct sunlight and corresponding temperature changes throughout the year.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Latitude on New Jersey's Climate
The climate of New Jersey is significantly influenced by its latitude. Located in the mid-latitudes, New Jersey experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons owing to the tilt of the earth's axis.
During winter in the Northern Hemisphere, New Jersey receives less direct sunlight because of a steeper angle of incidence, resulting in colder temperatures.
Conversely, in the summer months, more direct sunlight leads to warmer temperatures. This variation is a typical characteristic of mid-latitude regions, directly affecting New Jersey's climate year-round.