Question

Briefly describe the cycle of seasons with the change in inclination of the sun's rays.

Answer 1

The cycle of seasons is caused by the Earth's axial tilt of 23.5° as it revolves around the Sun. This tilt causes different parts of the Earth to receive varying amounts of solar energy throughout the year, leading to seasonal changes.

• Summer occurs in a hemisphere when it is tilted toward the Sun, causing more direct (vertical) sunlight, longer days, and warmer temperatures.
• Winter occurs when the hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, receiving slanted sunlight, shorter days, and colder temperatures.

During the Vernal (Spring) and Autumnal (Fall) Equinoxes, the Earth is positioned so that both hemispheres receive equal sunlight, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths.

The change in inclination of the Sun's rays throughout the Earth's orbit is what drives the progression of the seasons.