Why is the Earth hotter in July and cooler in January?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the reasons for seasonal temperature variations on Earth, specifically why it is hotter in July and cooler in January. Participants explore the influence of Earth's elliptical orbit and axial tilt on temperature, as well as the hemispherical differences in climate experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes that the distance from the Sun varies due to Earth's elliptical orbit, suggesting this affects temperature.
  • Another participant emphasizes that the axial tilt of the Earth is a more significant factor in determining seasonal temperatures than the distance from the Sun.
  • A later reply points out that the perception of temperature differences is influenced by geographical location, particularly between the northern and southern hemispheres.
  • There is a correction regarding the distance from the Sun, with a participant clarifying the actual measurements of aphelion and perihelion.
  • One participant mentions that the distribution of land and water between the hemispheres contributes to the overall temperature differences experienced in January and July.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the relative importance of distance from the Sun versus axial tilt in influencing seasonal temperatures. Additionally, there is acknowledgment of the hemispherical differences in climate, indicating a lack of consensus on a singular explanation.

Contextual Notes

Some assumptions about the effects of distance and axial tilt on temperature are not fully explored, and there are unresolved details regarding the specific contributions of these factors to seasonal changes.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those studying Earth sciences, meteorology, or anyone curious about the factors influencing seasonal climate variations.

bolbol2054
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We know that the Earth revolves around the sun in an oval orbit the sun occupies one of its centers
On this basis, the distance from the sun is not constant and the land closest to the sun in Maicon on Jan. 3 and and be further from the sun on July 4, the difference between the two points approximately 5 million km
If speculate that the factors that govern the temperature of the Earth's surface is
1 - The amount of distance from the Sun{ it is well known that the planets furthest from the sun is in the cooler temperatures}
2 - angle of the sun's rays fall on the ground

What are the physical laws that govern this issue and make it as unexpected to mind is that jan more cooler and july more hotter
 
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Simply put, the "ovalness" (ellipticity, really) of Earth's orbit is rather small, while Earth's axial tilt is rather large. Hence, the seasons are primarily driven by effect 2, and effect 1 is only one among several small secondary considerations. http://cseligman.com/text/planets/orbiteffect.htm" is one of the few I could find that attempts to roughly quantify the respective contributions.
 
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onomatomanic said:
Simply put, the "ovalness" (ellipticity, really) of Earth's orbit is rather small, while Earth's axial tilt is rather large. Hence, the seasons are primarily driven by effect 2, and effect 1 is only one among several small secondary considerations. http://cseligman.com/text/planets/orbiteffect.htm" is one of the few I could find that attempts to roughly quantify the respective contributions.

thank you sir very much i have really benfited of your guiding informations
 
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BTW, note that January being cooler and July being hotter is entirely northern-hemispherocentric.

If you live south of the equator, you'll be wearing shorts at New Years and a parka on Firecracker Day.
 


DaveC426913 said:
...Firecracker Day.
I've never heard of that - is that an Australian holiday? :-p

And btw, the difference is less than 5 million miles. Aphelion is 94.5 and perihelion is 91.4 million miles.
 


russ_watters said:
I've never heard of that - is that an Australian holiday? :-p

Ha ha no. Just that, up here in the GWN, July 4 doesn't pull the heartstrings the way it does for y'all.
 


thank you mr dave and mr russ
i have understood from the link that the water-land distriputions between north and south Earth hemispheres make the Earth as awhole cooler in jan and hotter in jul
 

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