Reasons for the Seasons

A

B

C

10

50

100

500

A

B

C

D

Because the U.S. is closer to the sun in summer and farther from the sun in Winter.

Because the U.S. is facing more toward the Sun in summer and away from the Sun in winter.

Because the Sun is hotter during the summer months.

Because the Earth’s orbit is highly elliptical.

25.6

36.5

67.3

Earth’s axis is always pointed in the same direction.

Earth’s axis changes direction as it orbits the Sun.

Earth’s orbit is nearly circular.

Earth’s axis is tilted.

A

B

Both A and B

Neither A nor B

equator

pole

moon

The tilt moves the hemisphere closer to the sun, making it hotter.

The Sun is higher in the sky, so its rays are more concentrated.

The Earth spins faster during summer.

The days are longer in summer.

A punch dead center

A punch at the top

Both punches move it equally

Neither punch moves it

Direct sunlight covers a smaller area and is more intense

Indirect sunlight covers a larger area and is less intense

Direct sunlight leads to colder temperatures

Indirect sunlight leads to hotter temperatures

Because the equator receives direct light over a small area

Because the equator is closer to the sun

Because the equator has less atmosphere

Because the equator receives indirect light

small

Winter

Summer

Spring

Fall

Winter and Summer

Fall and Winter

Spring and Summer

Both hemispheres receive equal sunlight

Only the Northern Hemisphere receives sunlight

Only the Southern Hemisphere receives sunlight

The equator receives no sunlight