answersLogoWhite

0

The seasons result from the Earth's axis being tilted to its orbital plane; it deviates by an angle of 23.5 degrees. Thus, at any given time during summer or winter, one part of the planet is more directly exposed to the rays of the Sun (see Fig. 1). This exposure alternates as the Earth revolves in its orbit. At any given time, regardless of season, the northern and southern hemispheres experience opposite seasons. Seasonal weather differences between hemispheres are further caused by the elliptical orbit][harmonic law of Earth. Earth reaches perihelion (the point in its orbit closest to the Sun) in January, and it reaches aphelion (farthest point from the Sun) some six months later. Even though the effect this has on Earth's seasons is minor, it does noticeably soften the northern hemispheres' winters and summers. In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite effect is observed. Seasonal weather fluctuations(changes) also depend on factors such as proximity to oceans or other large bodies of water, currents in those oceans, El Niño/ENSO and other oceanic cycles, and prevailing winds. In the temperate and polar regions, seasons are marked by changes in the amount of sunlight, which in turn often causes cycles of dormancy in plants and hibernation in animals. These effects vary with latitude and with proximity to bodies of water. For example, the South Pole is in the middle of the continent of Antarctica and therefore a considerable distance from the moderating influence of the southern oceans. The North Pole is in the Arctic Ocean, and thus its temperature extremes are buffered by the water. The result is that the South Pole is consistently colder during the southern winter than the North Pole during the northern winter. The cycle of seasons in the polar and temperate zones of one hemisphere is opposite to that in the other. When it is summer in the Northern hemisphere, it is winter in the Southern hemisphere, and vice versa. In the tropics, there is no noticeable change in the amount of sunlight. However, many regions (such as the northern Indian ocean) are subject to monsoon rain and wind cycles. A study of temperature records over the past 300 years[1] shows that the climatic seasons, and thus the seasonal year, are governed by the anomalistic year rather than the tropical year. In meteorological terms, the winter solstice and summer solstice (or the date of maximum/minimum insolation) do not fall in the middle of winter and summer respectively. The heights of these seasons occur up to a month later because of seasonal lag. Seasons though, are not always defined in meteorological terms.

User Avatar

Wiki User

17y ago

What else can I help you with?

Related Questions

What season brings the most lightning?

The season that has the most lightning storms is around mid-summer and early fall. This season is called the hurricane season, and it starts June 1, and ends November 30.


What season brings the most tornadoes?

It depends on the region, but tornadoes are most common in the spring and summer.


When is moonsoon season?

Monsoons seaosn brings devasting floods to countries in Southern and Southeats Asia.


What is the contagious period for flu?

The winter season usually brings an infestation of the stomach flu and many other sicknesses.


What is the meanind of the poem Motel Pool by P K Page?

It is about summer, and how the water and happiness brings the season to life.


How can Demeter bring seasons?

Demeter brings about the season of winter in mourning for her daughter Persephone in the underworld, autumn is when Persephone departs, and spring is the return of Persephone. Summer is the harvest season.


What is the third season in India other than cool and hot?

rainy


How long does Colorado monsoon season last?

Colorado's monsoon season typically runs from mid-July to mid-September. This season brings an increase in thunderstorms and heavy rainfall to the region, particularly in the afternoons and evenings.


When does fall begin in Chicago?

The autumnal equinox brings the fall season to the Northern Hemisphere on: September 22 each year.


What is the episode is when Peter brings three birds to a theater?

Season 3|Episode 14 Brian Wallows and Peter's Swallows


What are the seasonal patterns in Philippines?

The Philippines has two distinct seasons: the dry season (from December to May) and the wet season (from June to November). The dry season is characterized by sunny weather with minimal rain, while the wet season brings heavy rainfall and occasional typhoons. The country also experiences a transition period known as the "habagat" or southwest monsoon, which typically occurs from May to October and brings rain and cooler temperatures.


What is a period of time called on a farm?

A period of time on a farm is often referred to as a season. Each season brings different tasks and activities related to planting, growing, harvesting, and maintaining crops or livestock.