What phenomenon occurs due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis?

Prepare for the Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question offers hints and explanations to get you ready for exam success!

The phenomenon that occurs due to the tilt of the Earth on its axis is the change of seasons. The Earth is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane around the Sun. This tilt means that during different times of the year, different parts of the Earth receive varying amounts of sunlight.

As the Earth orbits the Sun, the northern and southern hemispheres are angled toward or away from the Sun at different times, resulting in the four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn (fall), and winter. For example, when the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun, it experiences summer with longer days and more direct sunlight, while the southern hemisphere, tilted away, experiences winter with shorter days and less direct sunlight. This alternating pattern leads to the cyclical nature of seasons, which is a direct result of Earth's axial tilt.

In contrast, the day and night cycle is caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis, not the tilt. Lunar phases relate to the position of the Moon in relation to the Earth and the Sun, while tides are influenced by the gravitational effects of the Moon and the Sun on Earth's water bodies.

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