The seasons on Earth are mainly due to:

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks which factor primarily causes Earth's seasons.
Option 1: Precession. While precession is a slow wobble of Earth's axis, it changes the timing of astronomical events over very long timescales and does not drive the annual seasonal pattern.
Option 2: Earth's rotation. Rotation explains day and night cycles, not the progression of seasons across a year, so it cannot be the main cause of seasons.
Option 3: Earth's tilted axis. The tilt of about 23.5 degrees alters the angle and intensity of sunlight at different latitudes through the year, producing varying insolation that creates seasonal temperature and daylight differences. This is the fundamental driver of seasons.
Option 4: Earth's distance from the Sun. While the orbit distance does change slightly (elliptical orbit), this effect is modest compared to the impact of tilt; seasons persist even when distance effects are accounted for, so distance alone is not the primary cause.
In summary, the seasonal cycle arises mainly from the tilt of Earth's axis, which changes solar elevation and daylight duration through the year, whereas the other factors contribute secondary or negligible roles in producing the seasons.

Earth & Environmental Science 2025-26 4.2 Module 2-3 Assessment Honor Lock -S- (60 Minutes ASYNC)

The seasons on Earth are mainly due to:

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