What are the primary factors influencing global climate?.

Global climate patterns are influenced by several key factors:

Key Facts

• Solar Radiation: Variation in solar energy affects temperature and climate.
• Atmospheric Composition: Greenhouse gases like CO2 and methane trap heat, influencing climate.
• Ocean Currents: Major currents regulate temperature and precipitation across regions.
• Topography: Mountains and valleys affect local climates, creating microclimates.

Examples or Use Cases

• El Niño: This phenomenon illustrates how oceanic temperatures can disrupt weather patterns globally.
• Urban Heat Islands: Cities often experience higher temperatures than surrounding rural areas due to human activities and infrastructure.

FAQs

• What role do human activities play in climate change? Human activities, such as burning fossil fuels, significantly increase greenhouse gas concentrations, altering climate patterns.
• How do seasons affect climate? Seasons influence temperature and precipitation, shaping regional climates and ecosystems.