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.

To address the questions regarding seasonal variation and the Earth's position in its orbit around the Sun, let's break down each question step by step. ### 1. The Sun's rays are directly overhead at which line of latitude? The Sun's rays are directly overhead at the **Tropic of Cancer** (23.5° N) during the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (around June 21) and at the **Tropic of Capricorn** (23.5° S) during the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere (around December 21). ### 2. What do we call this position of the Earth, in the northern and southern hemispheres respectively? - When the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Cancer, it is called **summer solstice** in the Northern Hemisphere and **winter solstice** in the Southern Hemisphere. - Conversely, when the Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn, it is called **winter solstice** in the Northern Hemisphere and **summer solstice** in the Southern Hemisphere. ### 3. Explain the difference between the length of daytime and night along the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. Name the season at each tropic. - **Tropic of Cancer (Summer Solstice)**: During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere experiences longer daylight hours. The Sun is directly overhead, resulting in extended periods of daylight and shorter nights. - **Tropic of Capricorn (Winter Solstice)**: During the winter solstice, the Southern Hemisphere experiences longer daylight hours, while the Northern Hemisphere has shorter days. The Sun is directly overhead at the Tropic of Capricorn, leading to longer days and shorter nights in the Southern Hemisphere. ### 4. Explain the difference in the amount of insolation along tropics in the two hemispheres. Insolation (incoming solar radiation) varies between the two hemispheres due to the tilt of the Earth's axis: - **Northern Hemisphere (Tropic of Cancer)**: During the summer solstice, the Northern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight, leading to higher insolation levels and warmer temperatures. - **Southern Hemisphere (Tropic of Capricorn)**: During the winter solstice, the Southern Hemisphere receives more direct sunlight, resulting in higher insolation levels and warmer temperatures, while the Northern Hemisphere experiences lower insolation and cooler temperatures. ### 5. Describe the seasonal conditions along the Arctic and Antarctic circles. - **Arctic Circle (66.5° N)**: During the summer solstice, regions within the Arctic Circle experience continuous daylight (midnight sun) for 24 hours, while during the winter solstice, they experience polar night, where the Sun does not rise above the horizon for an extended period. - **Antarctic Circle (66.5° S)**: The conditions are opposite to those in the Arctic Circle. During the summer solstice, regions within the Antarctic Circle experience continuous daylight, while during the winter solstice, they experience polar night. ### Summary The Earth's axial tilt and its orbit around the Sun create seasonal variations in sunlight, temperature, and day length, affecting different latitudes in distinct ways. The Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn mark significant points in this cycle, influencing the climate and daylight patterns in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres.