Which of the following factors is fundamentally responsible for the occurrence of seasons on Earth?

• A. The gravitational pull of the Moon
• B. The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbital plane
• C. The rotation of Earth on its axis
• D. The varying distance between Earth and the Sun during the year

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of seasons: Seasons occur due to variations in the amount of sunlight reaching different parts of Earth during its orbit around the Sun.
2. Identify the key factor responsible for these variations: The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbital plane is the primary reason for the occurrence of seasons.
3. Clarify why the tilt matters: Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees. This tilt causes different hemispheres to receive varying amounts of sunlight at different times of the year.
4. Eliminate incorrect options: The gravitational pull of the Moon affects tides, not seasons. Earth's rotation on its axis causes day and night, not seasons. The varying distance between Earth and the Sun has a minimal effect on seasons compared to the axial tilt.
5. Conclude the explanation: The tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbital plane is fundamentally responsible for the occurrence of seasons because it determines the angle and intensity of sunlight received by different regions throughout the year.