Understanding Earth's Seasons

Kevin travels from the United States to Australia for the winter, but when he gets there it feels more like summer. Which statement explains this?

• The Northern Hemisphere is experiencing an equinox.

• The Southern Hemisphere is experiencing an equinox.

• The Southern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, so it is summer in Australia.

• The Southern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, so it is summer in Australia.

When it is winter, the United States receives the least direct solar energy, as compared with the rest of the year. Why does this happen?

• The Northern Hemisphere is closer to the sun.

• The Northern Hemisphere is farther from the sun.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted toward the sun.

• The Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the sun.

How do the temperatures at Earth’s equator compare with the temperatures at the poles during the year?

• The equator is generally cold.

• The poles are generally warm.

• There is less variation in temperature at the equator.

• There is more variation in temperature at the equator.

In addition to changes in the number of hours of daylight, what other factor contributes to Earth’s seasons?

• time of the day

• angle of the sun’s radiation

• energy as heat from the moon

• warm air blowing from the oceans

Which characteristic is associated with summer as compared to winter?

• noon sun lower in the sky

• lower daytime temperatures

• more daily hours of sunlight

• shorter days and longer nights

Examine the diagram of Earth’s orbit. The position labeled ‘3’ represents the season of summer in _________.

• at the poles

• at the equator

• in the Southern Hemisphere

• in the Northern Hemisphere

Vesna is studying seasons on Earth. She drew a diagram of Earth to show how it is tilted on its axis. Vesna wants to include the label of Earth’s tilt on her diagram. What angle should Vesna add?

• 15.5°

• 23.5°

• 30°

• 45°

Look at the diagram of Earth. Describe how the tilt of Earth contributes to the seasons. Give an example.

According to this diagram, what season(s) in the United States do Position A and Position B represent, respectively?

Describe at least one effect that Earth’s position in space will have on the United States during Position B.