Question

Which of the following is a possible cause of change in seasons on Earth?

• A. (a) The distance between the sun and earth is not constant
• B. (b) The axis of rotation of the earth is parallel to the plane of its orbit
• C. (c) The axis of rotation of the earth is perpendicular to the plane of its orbit
• D. (d) The axis of rotation of the earth is tilted with respect to the plane of its orbit

Answer 1

The correct option is D

(d) The axis of rotation of the earth is tilted with respect to the plane of its orbit

Answer: (d) The axis of rotation of the Earth is tilted with respect to the plane of its orbit.

The axis of rotation of the Earth is not perpendicular to the plane of its orbit. It is this tilt in its axis of rotation while it revolves around the sun that is responsible for the change of seasons on the Earth.

How are seasons formed?

• Seasons happen because Earth’s axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.4 degrees and different parts of Earth receive more solar energy than others.
• Four seasons are autumn, winter, spring and summer occur throughout the year.
• The timing of the seasons is opposite for each hemisphere.
• It is because when the North Pole is tilted toward the sun, the Northern Hemisphere faces the sun at a greater angle than the Southern Hemisphere.