Seasons and Earth's Axial Tilt

Study Notes

Earth's Axial Tilt: The primary cause of seasons is the 23.5° tilt of the Earth's axis.
Earth's Orbit: The Earth's orbit around the Sun is elliptical, but this has a relatively small effect on the seasons.

Spring:
- Occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
- Temperatures rise as the days get longer.
- Typically occurs from March to May in the Northern Hemisphere.
Summer:
- Occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted most towards the Sun.
- Longest days of the year with the most direct sunlight.
- Typically occurs from June to August in the Northern Hemisphere.
Autumn (Fall):
- Occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun.
- Temperatures drop as the days get shorter.
- Typically occurs from September to November in the Northern Hemisphere.
Winter:
- Occurs when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted farthest away from the Sun.
- Shortest days of the year with the least direct sunlight.
- Typically occurs from December to February in the Northern Hemisphere.

Equinoxes: Days with approximately 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
- Vernal equinox (spring): around March 20/21.
- Autumnal equinox: around September 22/23.
Solstices: Days with the longest or shortest daylight period.
- Summer solstice: around June 20/21 (longest day).
- Winter solstice: around December 21/22 (shortest day).

Spring:
- Northern Hemisphere tilts towards the Sun, increasing temperatures and daylight hours.
- Typically occurs from March to May in the Northern Hemisphere.
Summer:
- Northern Hemisphere tilts most towards the Sun, resulting in longest days and most direct sunlight.
- Typically occurs from June to August in the Northern Hemisphere.
Autumn (Fall):
- Northern Hemisphere tilts away from the Sun, decreasing temperatures and daylight hours.
- Typically occurs from September to November in the Northern Hemisphere.
Winter:
- Northern Hemisphere tilts farthest away from the Sun, resulting in shortest days and least direct sunlight.
- Typically occurs from December to February in the Northern Hemisphere.

Equinoxes:
- Days with 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness.
- Vernal equinox (spring) occurs around March 20/21.
- Autumnal equinox occurs around September 22/23.
Solstices:
- Days with longest or shortest daylight period.
- Summer solstice (longest day) occurs around June 20/21.
- Winter solstice (shortest day) occurs around December 21/22.

Temperatures rise after a cold winter, with average highs between 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
Snow melts, and plants start to bloom during this period (March to May)

Coldest season, with average temperatures often below 0°C (32°F)
Shortest days of the year, with as few as 8 hours of daylight (December to February)
Snowfall is common, with some areas receiving heavy amounts

Western Canada: Milder winters, cooler summers, and a longer growing season
Central Canada: Continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers
Eastern Canada: Cold winters, cool summers, and a shorter growing season
Northern Canada: Arctic climate, with extremely cold winters and short summers

Outdoor activities: Seasons influence the types of outdoor activities Canadians can enjoy, such as skiing, hiking, or swimming
Agriculture: Seasons affect the growth and harvest of crops, with different seasons suitable for different crops
Transportation: Seasons can impact road conditions, with winter snow and ice requiring special precautions
Energy consumption: Seasons influence energy consumption, with heating and cooling being more significant during extreme temperatures