Effect on Seasons by Motion of Earth

The axis of the earth is the main reason for the change in seasons by motion of earth. The axis of the earth is tilted by 23.45 degrees. The two movements, i.e., rotation and revolution by earth on this axis, cause the change in seasons. Due to this, different regions experience different seasons across the year. When the North Pole tilts forward to the sun, then the Northern Hemisphere faces the summer season. But, when the South Pole tilts forward to the sun, then it causes winter in the Northern Hemisphere. 

Why is the axis of the earth tilted? 

The axis of the earth is an imaginary line. The tilt in the earth’s axis is the major reason behind the change in seasons by motion of earth. This is the reason why earth receives indirect and direct heat from the sun during winter and summer, respectively. 

Also, the temperature during the summer rises because the earth receives direct sunlight. But, there are some other factors, such as latitudes, orbits, etc., for the season change. 

The change of the position of the earth around is highly affected by the tilted axis. There is a reason behind the tilt of the earth’s axis. It is said that after the earth was formed, a huge spacious object hit the earth. Thus, it knocked the off-kilter. 

As a result, the axis tilted to 23.45 degrees from perpendicular. The spacious object that hit the earth is known as “Theia.” Then the theia also knocked a huge chunk out of the earth, which later became the moon. 

How does rotation affect the season of the earth? 

Both revolution and rotation change the position of the earth around the sun. The rotation of the earth prevents the air currents from moving straight from north to south towards the equator. This is also known as “Coriolis Effect.” 

This effect changes the wind’s direction from the Northern Hemisphere towards the Southern Hemisphere. It means that the earth rotates in the anti-clockwise direction. The earth completes its one rotation in 24 hours. In this way, we experience night and day due to the rotation. 

Also, the rotation over the tilted axis causes various gravitational forces at the South and North Pole. Hence, seasons by motion of earth also happen through rotation. 

How does the revolution of earth cause change in seasons? 

Revaluation of the seasons by motion of earth is the crucial reason for the major change in seasons. It is the primary reason why every year is divided into various seasons. The season change happens not due to the distance but due to the earth’s axis. 

Generally, the earth experiences four major seasons across different regions. Also, the tiling causes opposite seasons in the Southern and Northern Hemispheres. These are the other crucial things that affect the seasons by motions of earth.

Climate Changes 

The tilt in the axis causes the change in the climate. Thus, more tilt causes severe seasons. That’s why it is hot in summer and cold during winter. The lesser tilt causes moderate seasons, which means cooler summers and warmer winters. 

Orbit

The orbit is also an imaginary path in which the earth revolves. It means that the structure is uneven, which plays a major role in changing seasons of the earth. In this, the hemisphere facing the summer experiences summer. On the other hand, the hemisphere facing away from the summer experiences winter.  

Hemisphere

The earth completes its revolution in its orbit every 12 months. But, the countries located in different hemispheres experience different seasons. That’s why countries in South America, Africa, and others experience summer. But, the European and North American continents have winter months. Furthermore, the countries located near the equator experience summer across the year. 

Milankovitch cycle

The Milankovitch cycle refers to the three major changes in the earth’s revolution. These following changes have a major impact on the seasons by motion of earth. 

Precession

The precession is mainly referred to the instability or wobbling of the earth’s axis. Every 26,000 years, the shake in the earth’s axis causes the position of the North Star to create a circle. 

Obliquity 

The obliquity is the tile of the axis of the earth to the orbit across the sun. This tilt in the axis ranges from 22.1 to up to 24.5 degrees. Hence, extra tilt means extreme seasons and vice versa. 

Eccentricity 

 The orbit’s shape changes from circular to an elliptical path. This change happens every 100000 years. So, when the orbit becomes elliptical, the season’s length also changes. Thus, the year divided into different seasons also changes accordingly. 

Conclusion

In conclusion, the seasons by motion of earth changes due to several factors. One of the main reasons is the tilted axis, along with the rotation and revolution. The axis of the earth is tilted by 23.45 degrees. So, when the North Pole tilts forward or away from the sun, both the hemispheres experience opposite seasons. Apart from that, the orbit and rotation play a crucial role in changing seasons on earth. Mainly, the earth experiences four different seasons round the year due to the revolution, axis, and rotation.