winter
Definition
Winter is one of the four seasons of the year. It is the coldest season, and it is characterized by shorter days and longer nights. The tilt of the Earth's axis is the main reason for the seasons. The Earth's axis is tilted about 23.5 degrees from the plane of its orbit around the Sun. This means that the Earth's Northern Hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun during the winter months, and the Southern Hemisphere is tilted towards the Sun.
The tilt of the Earth's axis also affects the amount of sunlight that reaches each hemisphere. During the winter months, the Northern Hemisphere receives less sunlight than the Southern Hemisphere. This is why the Northern Hemisphere is colder than the Southern Hemisphere during the winter months.
Winter is also a time when snow and ice are most common. Snow is frozen water vapour that falls from the sky. Ice is formed when water freezes.
The amount of snow and ice that falls during the winter depends on the latitude. The higher the latitude, the more snow and ice that falls. This is because the temperatures are colder at higher latitudes.
Winter is a beautiful season, but it can also be dangerous. The cold weather can cause frostbite and hypothermia. Snow and ice can make roads and sidewalks slippery, which can lead to accidents.
It is important to be prepared for winter weather. This means dressing warmly, staying dry, and avoiding driving in icy conditions.
How can the word be used?
The winter solstice is the shortest day of the year.
Different forms of the word
Noun: the coldest season of the year, between autumn and spring.
Adjective: relating to winter.
Etymology
The word "winter" comes from the Old English word "wintra", which means "time of water".
The first recorded use of the word "winter" in English was in the 8th century.
Question
What happens in the winter?
AQA Science Exam Question and Answer
Question:
Explain the scientific factors that contribute to the changing seasons and the occurrence of winter. Discuss the tilt of Earth's axis, its orbit around the Sun, and how these phenomena result in the colder temperatures and shorter daylight hours characteristic of winter.
Answer:
The changing of seasons, including the onset of winter, is a result of Earth's axial tilt and its elliptical orbit around the Sun. These astronomical phenomena play a pivotal role in the variation of climate and daylight hours experienced throughout the year.
Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of approximately 23.5 degrees relative to its orbital plane. As a consequence, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight at different times of the year. During winter, a specific hemisphere, either the Northern or Southern, is tilted away from the Sun. This orientation results in the Sun's rays being spread over a larger area, leading to reduced solar energy absorption and colder temperatures.
Furthermore, Earth's elliptical orbit around the Sun causes variations in the planet's distance from the Sun during different points in its orbit. However, this orbital eccentricity has a minimal impact on the seasons compared to the axial tilt.
The combination of Earth's axial tilt and its orbit results in the characteristic features of winter, including lower temperatures and shorter daylight hours. As a hemisphere tilts away from the Sun, the solar energy received is weaker and more spread out, leading to colder conditions. The shorter duration of daylight contributes to cooler overall temperatures during this season.