What causes Earth’s seasons? Earth’s elliptical orbit and varying speed of revolution Variation in the amount of energy given off by the sun Earth’s greater distance from the sun during winter than summer Inclination of Earth's axis upon rotation and its revolution around the sun

The primary cause of Earth's seasons is the inclination of Earth's axis upon rotation and its revolution around the sun. Here's a step-by-step explanation:

1. The Earth's axis is tilted at an angle of about 23.5 degrees relative to its orbit around the sun. This tilt is what causes the change in seasons.

2. As the Earth orbits the sun, the tilt of the Earth's axis means that at different times of the year, either the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere is receiving more direct sunlight.

3. When a hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, it receives more direct sunlight and experiences summer. Conversely, when a hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, it receives less direct sunlight and experiences winter.

4. During spring and autumn, the Earth is not tilted towards or away from the sun. This means that the amount of sunlight is roughly equal, leading to milder temperatures.

The other factors mentioned (Earth’s elliptical orbit and varying speed of revolution, variation in the amount of energy given off by the sun, Earth’s greater distance from the sun during winter than summer) do have minor effects on the Earth's climate, but they are not the primary causes of the seasons.