Seasons

Seasons refer to the particular periods or divisions of the year that is characterized by equinoxes and solstices and periodical weather changes. The earth's axis is tilted at an angle of 23.5 degrees to its orbital plane. Owing to this tilt one part of the globe is directly exposed to sun's rays while the other part receives less exposure. This exposure is alternated while the earth completes its journey around the sun on its orbit. This phenomenon creates seasons.

Thus, when the Northern Hemisphere is exposed to sunlight, it experiences summer while the Southern Hemisphere which receives less heat and light experiences winter. The vice versa happens when the Southern Hemisphere is exposed to the rays of sun.

Generally a year is divided into four seasons :-

• Summer
• Winter
• Spring
• Autumn

These seasons are more prominent in the polar and temperate regions.

Summer is that part of the year which experiences the scorching heat of the sun, extreme dry and humid conditions as the sun remains at the highest angle. Summer commences from June and ends in the month of September in the Northern Hemisphere while in the Southern Hemisphere summer starts from December and ends in the month of March.

Winter is the season that has the shortest duration. It is characterized by low temperature and short days. The regions situated far away from the equator experience very cold winters. Generally winter begins in the month of November and continues till February in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter stays from June to August.