The Andes also lack the warm and humid climate that characterizes the Equator. Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is located 205 miles from the Equator, but its elevation results in a cool climate with alpine glaciers and dry weather. Many communities thrive in the equatorial region, as consistent rainfall and warm climate create a desirable environment for agriculture. However, humid weather cools the equatorial region, meaning that is not the hottest region of the world although it is closest to the Sun. The wet season is often long and is responsible for the expansive rainforests along the Equator, including the Amazon, Congo, and the forests of Southeast Asia. As a result, equatorial cultures recognize wet and dry seasons only.
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Throughout the year, regions close to the Equator experience a warm climate with minimal seasonal variation. Equatorial Seasonsĭuring the Autumn and Spring equinoxes, the Sun crosses directly over the Equator, resulting in a rise in intensity of sunlight, and consequently an increase in temperature. Seasons capture important ecological events in various parts of the world, such as dictating planting and harvesting patterns, migration season, and in some regions wildfire, tornado, and hurricane seasons. In North America and parts of Europe, there are clear dividing lines between the seasons, while regions near the Equator experience minimal variation, and instead may categorize a season as either wet or dry. The seasons are more pronounced in some regions than others.
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For example, between May and July, the Northern Hemisphere receives more sunlight since it is facing the Sun, while the Southern Hemisphere receives more sunlight from November through January. In the polar and temperate regions, seasonal changes are marked by variance in sunlight intensity. Each season is caused by the Earth's axial tilt and orbit around the Sun, and is characterized by specific climatic conditions and weather patterns. There are four seasons: spring, summer, autumn (or fall), and winter. A season is a specific period of the year that is distinguished by predictable climatic conditions.