How does the tilt of Earth's axis cause the seasons?

The seasons on Earth are primarily caused by the tilt of its axis rather than its distance from the Sun. The tilt of approximately 23.5 degrees means that during different times of the year, various parts of the Earth receive varying intensities and durations of sunlight.

During summer in one hemisphere, the tilt causes the Sun's rays to strike that region more directly. This direct sunlight results in longer days and more intense solar heating, contributing to warmer temperatures. Conversely, during winter, the opposite hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun, leading to shorter days and sunlight that strikes at a slant, which diffuses its energy over a larger area and results in cooler temperatures.

While the other options touch on aspects of the seasons, they do not fully capture the relationship between Earth's axial tilt and seasonal climate changes. For example, the length of the day does indeed change with the seasons, but it is the combination of direct sunlight and day length that fundamentally creates the temperature differences we associate with summer and winter. Thus, the relationship between the tilt of Earth's axis and the resulting seasonal effects is crucial for understanding our planet's climate variations throughout the year.