INTRODUCTION
I am Brett Cox, a college student in a general education earth science class at Emporia State University.  The purpose for this web site is to discuss the societal aspecet of weather and seasons, which fulfills an assignment for my Earth Science lab course.  If you would like to know more about the course or the university, check out ES 111's presentation page, Emporia State University's homepage, or both.
 

WEATHER
Weather is effected by many different factors, such as humidity, air temperature, and fronts. According to Tarbuck and Lutgen, weather is the state of the atmosphere at any given time (pg. 663).  Weather is constantly changing, sometimes from hour to hour, or at other times, day to day (pg. 378).  This fact is reinforced by a colloquialism natives often repeat, "If you don't like the weather in Kansas, just wait thirty minutes."

The weather can effect many things in everyday life, from attire to activities.  In Kansas, summers tend to be hot and dry.  Consequently, many people in Kansas spend their free time cooling off at recreational lakes, waterskiing and fishing.  The fall season weather is cool and dry and a good time to enjoy the changing colors of vegetation. A tour in the local area, such as the Flint Hills as seen in Chase County, will provide a colorful display of both grasslands and woodlands. The Big Bluestem grasses turn red after the first frost and the Cottonwood trees turn yellow.  Winter brings much colder temperatures, with strong winds, ice and some snow. As in most cold areas, people enjoy being next to the fireplace or stove.  The central continental position and relatively flat topography of Kansas, create the conditions for strong winds. In the winter this creates a dangerous windchill factor and in summer, with high wind warnings keep boats off the lakes.  Spring is always a welcome and beautiful time of the year, with the renewal of pleasant temperatures and flowering vegetation.  At this time of year, people emerge from their homes for outdoor picnics and kite flying!

My favorite time of the year is summer, when I can enjoy the sun and the local lakes.   This is the boat that my family has at Grand Lake in Oklahoma.  It is a Cobalt and most weekends, when I am not studying for class, I enjoy driving this or our Yamaha Wave Runner (Steve Peters created this Wave Runner movie, thanks Steve!).

Image from http://cobaltboats.com/

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SEASONS

During the winter, Earth's northern hemisphere is tilted away from the Sun and not receiving direct rays of the Sun; however, the southern hemisphere is tilted toward the Sun and is receiving the most direct rays.  In the summer, the scenario is reversed, that is, Earth's northern hemisphere receives direct sun and the southern hemisphere, less direct.  More direct rays result in longer days and more heat.  During summer and winter, the Arctic and Antarctic Circles will have times in which there is 24 hours of sunlight or darkness.  On the Autumnal and Vernal Equinox, the official start of fall and spring, every place on Earth receives twelve hours of light and twelve hours of dark (Aber 75). 

You can watch your local weather by going outside, but if you want detailed information on forecasts and regional weather, watch the Weather Channel on cable television or visit their web page at http://www.weather.com/!

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REFERENCE:

      Tarbuck, E. & Lutgens, F. (2000). Earth science (9th Ed.). NJ: Prentice Hall.

      Aber, S. W., Johnston, P., Morales, M., & Sleezer, R. (2000). Introduction to earth science lab (5th edition). Edina, MN: Burgess International.