REASONS FOR THESEASONS

WHAT ARE THE SEASONS?

▪Seasons are the four distinct times of the year when there is a change in temperature on Earth.

▪The four seasons on Earth include:

▪Winter Solstice

▪ Spring (Vernal) Equinox

▪ Summer Solstice

▪ Fall (Autumnal) Equinox

WHAT CAUSES SEASONS?

Seasons are caused by the tilt of the Earth’s axis

as it revolves around the Sun.

23.5°

SUMMER IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

When it is summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it is winter in the

Southern Hemisphere. This is because the Northern Hemisphere is receiving

more direct sunlight.

SUMMER IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

▪The Northern Hemisphere is receiving more direct sunlight than the Southern Hemisphere.

WINTER IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

▪The Southern Hemisphere is receiving more direct sunlight than the Northern Hemisphere.

SUMMER AND WINTER SOLSTICE

Winter

1. The Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight – because of this temperatures are cooler.

2. The Northern Hemisphere has shorter days and the Southern Hemisphere has longer days.

Summer

1. The Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight – because of this temperatures are warmer.

2. The Northern Hemisphere has longer days and the Southern Hemisphere has shorter days.

FALL/AUTUMNAL AND SPRING EQUINOX

1. Both hemispheres receive the same amount of direct sunlight.

2. Both hemispheres have equal day and night (12 hours of day, 12 hours of night).

3. Neither hemisphere is tilted toward the sun at this time.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING SPRING AND FALL?

During the equinoxes, spring and fall, both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are

receiving the same amount of direct sunlight. Neither hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, so

temperatures aren’t extremely different. Neither hemisphere or very warm or cold.

THINK, PAIR, SHARE

How can the length of day affect temperatures on Earth?

Longer days cause overall temperatures to be warmer. This is because the Sun is out longer, and

there is more radiation from the Sun during this time.

Shorter days causes overall temperatures to be cooler. This is because the Sun isn’t out as long, and there is less radiation from the Sun during this time.

QUIZ TIMEPlease put away your notes to see how much you

remember from the presentation.

1. WHY DO WE HAVE SEASONS ON EARTH?

A. The distance between the Earth and Sun.

B. The tilt of the Earth’s axis as it revolves around the Sun.

2. WHEN IT IS SUMMER IN THE NORTHERN

HEMISPHERE, WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE?

A. The Northern Hemisphere receives less direct sunlight.

B. The Northern Hemisphere has shorter days.

C. The Northern Hemisphere has colder temperatures.

D. The Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight.

3. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS WOULD EARTH BE

IN IF IT WERE WINTER IN THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE?

A.Position A

B.Position B

C. Position C

D.Position D

4. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS WOULD EARTH BE

IN IF IT WERE WINTER IN THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE?

A.Position A

B.Position B

C. Position C

D.Position D

5. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING CONTRIBUTES TO

WARMER TEMPERATURES ON EARTH?

A.More direct sunlight

B.Longer days

C.All of the above

6. WHICH TWO SEASONS ARE SOLSTICES?

A.Spring and Summer

B.Summer and Fall

C.Winter and Summer

D.Fall and Winter

7. WHICH OF THE FOLLOWING IS TRUE ABOUT AN

EQUINOX?

A. Both hemispheres receive the same amount of direct sunlight.

B. Both hemispheres have equal day and night.

C. Equinoxes happen during the fall and spring.

D.All of the above.