What causes seasonal changes in weather and temperatures in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres?

The seasonal changes in weather and temperatures in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres are primarily caused by the tilt of Earth's axis relative to its orbit around the sun. This axial tilt, which is about 23.5 degrees, means that as Earth orbits the sun throughout the year, different parts of the planet receive varying amounts of sunlight at different times.

During summer in one hemisphere, that hemisphere is tilted toward the sun, resulting in longer days and more direct sunlight, leading to warmer temperatures. Conversely, when that hemisphere is tilted away from the sun during winter, it experiences shorter days and less direct sunlight, resulting in cooler temperatures. This pattern is reversed in the opposite hemisphere at the same time.

The other options, while they may influence weather patterns to some extent, do not directly cause the change of seasons. The distance of Earth from the sun varies throughout the year, but this variation is not significant enough to create the dramatic seasonal changes. Changes in ocean currents can affect local climates and weather patterns, but they are secondary factors that rely on the broader seasonal cycle driven by the axial tilt. The rotation of Earth on its axis causes day and night but does not account for the seasonal variations in temperature and weather patterns.