Question

How does this model explain the causes of seasonal changes in the Northern Hemisphere?

In your response include the following information:

- Identify which stage (number) of the model represents summer and which represents winter in the Northern Hemisphere.

- Describe how Earth's tilt on its axis affects the intensity of solar energy during the summer versus winter months.

- Explain how the orientation of Earth and its positions in its orbit around the Sun causes the change in seasons in the Northern Hemisphere.

Answer 1

How this model explains the causes of seasonal changes in the Northern Hemisphere is by showing the tilt and the orbit around the sun. As you see stage 3 represents summer in the Northern Hemisphere and stage 1 represents winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Earth's tilted axis causes the seasons. Throughout the year, different parts of Earth receive the Sun's most direct rays. So, when the North Pole tilts toward the Sun, it's summer in the Northern Hemisphere. And when the South Pole tilts toward the Sun, it's winter in the Northern Hemisphere.