What are the main factors affecting climate zones globally?.

Climate zones are primarily influenced by several key factors:

1. Latitude: Determines the amount of solar energy received, with equatorial regions being warmer than polar areas.

2. Elevation: Higher altitudes experience cooler temperatures, impacting local climate.

3. Ocean Currents: Warm and cold currents regulate coastal climates, affecting precipitation and temperatures.

4. Topography: Mountains can block air masses and create rain shadows, affecting local weather patterns.

5. Vegetation: Influences local climate by affecting humidity and temperature through transpiration.

6. Human Activities: Urbanization and deforestation can alter local climates significantly.

Understanding these factors is crucial for predicting climate changes and impacts on ecosystems.