Written and compiled by Fred Jaicks.
Every calendar year, the earth experiences four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. In most regions of the world, each season is accompanied by significant weather patterns. For example, the temperature is usually quite high in most places in the summer, and in the winter the temperature is quite low, and often accompanied by snow. The reason the earth experiences seasonal change is because the earth rotates on its axis and turns around the sun, which changes the temperatures,precipitation patterns, and amount of sunlight places receive during each season. Some places such as the state of Florida may not have as drastic a winter as other places, such as Montana. This is because of the location of Florida and how it receives sun. The same principle applies to regions all over the world, and how the seasons
affect them.
- About the Seasons
- What Causes the Seasons
- Seasonal Timeframes for the US
Spring
Spring is a milder season, and in many places flowers and other plants begin to grow and bloom. The weather is usually beginning to warm up slightly after a cold winter, and it is often known as the transitional season between winter and summer. Fresh fruit is a common food that is popular during the spring months. Cherry trees and dogwood trees bloom during this season, as well as beautiful flowers of almost every type and hue. The Easter holiday is celebrated in spring in the United States, and is usually accompanied by a light but healthy lunch or dinner. Scientists have found that most animal species mate during the spring months. In addition, many animals come out of hibernation during this time.
- Spring Fun Facts
- Vernal Equinox: First Day of Spring
- Spring in Northern Hemisphere
- Constellations in the Spring
- Heat Index
Summer
Summer is the warmest of all four seasons. In some regions, the summer can reach temperatures of over one hundred degrees. Summer usually brings about rain, since the humidity levels increase. The sun shines on more of the earth during this season than any other because of its position in relation to the sun. People often enjoying cooking food outdoors during the summer, and cool drinks are also very popular. Watermelon, kiwi, oranges, pineapple, and many other fresh fruits are
popular to eat during the summer season. In the United States, the country celebrates its founding on Independence Day, which takes place on the 4th day of July each year. Students are out of school during the summer and families tend to take advantage of this time of year by going away on vacation.
Autumn
During the autumn months, the leaves on trees begin to change to colors of red, gold, and brown. This time of year is beloved by many people because it begins the holiday season. Halloween and Thanksgiving are both celebrated during autumn, and school is back in session. Rich, warm foods are enjoyed during this time such as hot apple cider or ham. Vegetables like squash and pumpkins grow and thrive during the autumn months, and farmers like to plant their crops for the next spring during this time of year. Autumn occurs when the equinox is right in the middle, and begins sometime in September for the northern hemisphere.
Winter
The winter season is the coldest of all four. This is because the earth is turned away from the sun, so the days are shorter and much colder. Many areas of the world get increased amounts of snow during the winter months. Usually, this season begins in December and lasts through March. Winter foods are rich and usually fattening to help keep people warm. Animals such as bears go into hibernation, while many North American geese fly southward to warmer areas. During the winter season, the Christmas holiday is celebrated as well as the New Year. All four seasons have their own individual personalities, weather styles, and season-specific holidays. The foods we eat can differ between seasons as well as the way people live their lives. These seasons are what make the earth such a beautiful and unique place to live.