Activily 2 Describe seasonal variation in is Study Figure A, which illustrates one of the seasonal positi of the Earth on its orbit around the Sun, and then answer th following questions: 1 The Sun's rays are directly overhead at which line of lati 2 What do we call this position of the Earth, in the norther southern hemispheres respectively? 3 From the figure, explain the difference between the leng daytime and night along the Tropic of Cancer and the Tri Capricorn. Name the season at each tropic. 4 Explain the difference in the amount of insolation along tropics in the two hemispheres. 5 Describe the seasonal conditions along the Arctic and Antarctic circles.

- **1.** The Sun's rays are directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer (23.5° N) and the Tropic of Capricorn (23.5° S). - **2.** These positions are called the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere when the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer. Conversely, they are called the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere and the summer solstice in the Southern Hemisphere when the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn. - **3.** At the Tropic of Cancer, during the summer solstice, there are longer days and shorter nights in the Northern Hemisphere. At the Tropic of Capricorn, during the winter solstice, there are longer days and shorter nights in the Southern Hemisphere. - **4.** During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight (higher insolation) compared to the Southern Hemisphere, leading to warmer temperatures. Conversely, during the winter solstice, the Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight, resulting in warmer temperatures, while the Northern Hemisphere has less sunlight and cooler temperatures. - **5.** Along the Arctic Circle (66.5° N), regions experience continuous daylight (midnight sun) during the summer solstice and polar night during the winter solstice. Along the Antarctic Circle (66.5° S), regions experience continuous daylight during the summer solstice and polar night during the winter solstice. **Summary:** The Earth's tilt and orbit cause seasonal changes, with the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn marking the points where the Sun is directly overhead, affecting day length and sunlight intensity in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.