On our planet, regular weather changes occur throughout the year. Such changes are called seasons. All seasonal changes in nature have their own separate name. It is winter, spring, summer and autumn. Changes in weather and changes in the behavior of the animal world during these periods depend on the amount of solar radiation distributed to various regions of the globe. Of great importance is also the angle of incidence of the sun's ray on the Earth's surface. The more the angle of inclination tends to a straight line, the hotter it becomes in a particular place of incidence of this ray. Also, seasonal changes are affected by the longitude of the day.
The dependence of seasonal changes on the territorial location
In the Northern and Southern hemispheres of the globe, seasonal changes in inanimate nature are completely opposite. It depends on the location of the earth in relation to the sun. The imaginary red line on the globe two hemispheres are separated exactly in the middle. This line is called the equator. Throughout the year, the sun's rays fall on this territory at almost a right angle. And therefore, in countries located on the equator line, hot and dry weather is constantly standing. Traditionally, winter is considered the beginning of the year.
Winter is cold and beauty
The northern hemisphere is in winter farthest from the Sun. All seasonal changes in nature during this period freeze in anticipation of warming. A time of low temperatures, snowfalls, winds and heavy ice formation. Many animals hibernate to save vital energy. After the winter equinox on December 21, the Sun begins to rise above the horizon, and the length of the day slowly increases.
Winter time for nature is a period of struggle and beauty. Plants stop growing, some animals and birds move to warm countries, and people flee from the cold in sheltered rooms. You can see abandoned bird nests, bare tree branches and large volumes of snow falling.
Winter weather changes
Winter weather is changeable and unpredictable. Severe frosts may occur one week, and the next thaw may suddenly thaw. In the cold, you can hear trees crackling in the cold, water freezes in rivers, lakes and ponds. Ice crystals form a solid upper layer of water on the surface of water bodies, which reliably protects the deep inhabitants from the penetration of cold. In hard-to-reach mountainous areas, snowstorms cover roads and people have to stock up on supplies in advance.
During thaws, seasonal changes in nature can be manifested by unexpected rains, which, when frost returns, create an ice crust on roads and plants. Ice covers trees, houses, cars and roads. This natural phenomenon is very dangerous for animals and people. Accumulation of ice breaks trees, spoils power lines and makes bridges and roads unsuitable for operation.
Fauna and flora in winter
Most plants are dormant in winter. Among snow-white snow blockages, only some types of evergreen trees, such as spruce, cedar, pine or fir, turn green. At the end of winter, with warming, the movement of juices begins, and the first buds appear on the trees.
Many birds fly to warmer regions, but more than 30 species remain in the Northern Hemisphere even during the most severe frosts. These are usually birds that feed on the seeds of some plants. Birds also remain for the winter - scavengers such as ravens, gulls and pigeons, and hunters like hawks or owls.
Winter is a time of long sleep for many animals, and seasonal changes in wildlife occur differently everywhere. Frogs enter hibernation and dig into the mud, and small animals like voles and marmots hide in pre-opened minks. Earthworms, caterpillars and bumblebees also behave. Stacked in warm dens and bears. During hibernation, animals are in a state of suspended animation. Many other mammals also endure seasonal changes in nature. These are otters, muskrats, deer, hares and many other species of forest inhabitants.
Spring is the time of flowering
Since March 20, the length of the day increases significantly, the average daily temperature rises, the first flowers begin to bloom. Animals wintering in the cold begin to molt, and hibernating ones return to their former way of life. Birds build nests and begin to acquire chicks. Numerous offspring are born in mammals. Various insects appear.
In the Northern Hemisphere, spring comes on the vernal equinox. The longitude of the day is compared to the length of the night. In the spring, heavy rains and snowmelt begin. Water pools overflow and spring floods begin. The first flowers bloom, and their active pollination begins with emerging insects. The first of the flowers are snowdrops, irises and lilies. Leaves appear on the trees.
Awakening of wildlife
Gradually, the air is filled with the singing of migratory birds returning from hot countries. Toads and frogs wake up after hibernation and begin to sing their mating songs. Many mammals are exploring new territories.
Spring seasonal changes in wildlife begin with the appearance of various insects. You can see mosquitoes and flies very early. Behind them in early spring, other insects wake up. Various bumblebees, wasps and the like are reliably protected from spring frosts with a fluffy striped fur coat.
Summer is a ripening crop
After June 21, the real summer begins in the Northern Hemisphere. The development of all plants is booming, and for herbivores there comes a time for enhanced nutrition. Predators, in turn, actively hunt for lovers of green food. All seasonal changes in nature in the summer occur very quickly. The excellent weather allows people to grow so many vegetables and fruits during the summer months that their supplies can last for a very long time. Perennials also gain their main strength in the summer months.
At the end of summer, the harvest begins. Many shrubs, trees, and other plants ripen. But summer production of fruits and vegetables is sometimes sharply reduced due to dehydration of the soil and the inability to provide plants with sufficient water.
In the summer, many birds train their chicks and prepare them for a long autumn flight. Summer and seasonal changes in nature in the summer is a wonderful topic for studying the behavior of not only birds, but also many insects, and other representatives of the animal world. The educational tour "Seasonal changes in nature" will be very interesting for children.
Autumn - fruit picking
Starting September 22, new seasonal changes in nature occur throughout the Northern Hemisphere. In the fall, a cooling starts pretty soon. A temperature drop occurs, and the midday sun no longer warms very much. The days are getting shorter and the life cycle of many plants ends. The fauna is preparing for migration to the south or is building warm shelters for long winter hibernation. Some animals and birds change their summer outfits to warmer winter ones. Among many breeds of animals, the mating season begins. The grass dries, and the leaves on the trees change color and fall off. The sun does not rise above the North at all, and for the next six months the Arctic will be in complete darkness. Autumn ends on the winter solstice.
You can trace the most interesting seasonal changes in nature in autumn during a brief Indian summer. The return of warm weather for a few autumn days allows animals and plants to finish preparing for extreme cold. Gardeners and gardeners closely monitor the harbingers of frost in order to complete the harvest of an abundant crop of vegetables and fruits.
Fauna in the fall
Many animals and birds begin to move towards the south in search of a milder temperature and reliable food security. Some species of animals hibernate. Bears go into a deep winter sleep. In late autumn, a large number of insects die. Some insects burrow deeper into the ground or winter, being in a state of larvae or pupae.
A variety of seasonal changes in nature in autumn for preschoolers will be understandable if we explain to children what is happening and supplement the story about autumn with illustrative examples. This is a demonstration of beautiful maple leaves of orange and red color, various crafts from autumn leaves and twigs, observation of the animal world. Children may also be interested in autumn seasonal changes in the corner of nature, which, as a rule, is created in any preschool institution.
