What phenomenon is responsible for the seasonal change in temperature and weather patterns?

The tilt of the Earth's axis is the primary reason for the seasonal changes in temperature and weather patterns. This axial tilt, which is approximately 23.5 degrees, affects how much sunlight different parts of the Earth receive throughout the year. As the Earth orbits the sun, the tilt causes varying angles of sunlight and different lengths of daylight, leading to the distinct seasons.

During summer for a given hemisphere, that hemisphere is tilted towards the sun, resulting in warmer temperatures and longer days. Conversely, during winter, the hemisphere is tilted away from the sun, leading to cooler temperatures and shorter days. This seasonal variation plays a crucial role in shaping local climates, ecosystems, and weather patterns across the globe.

While the water cycle contributes to weather patterns and climate, and the Coriolis effect impacts wind patterns, neither directly causes the seasonal changes themselves; rather, they are part of the broader dynamics influenced by the tilt of the Earth's axis. Climate change refers to long-term alterations in climate and does not explain the cyclical seasonal changes that occur annually.