What factors influence weather patterns around the globe?.

Weather patterns are influenced by a variety of factors that interact in complex ways. Key determinants include:

1. Geographical Location: Latitude plays a significant role, affecting temperature and precipitation. Areas near the equator receive more sunlight than polar regions.
2. Ocean Currents: Warm and cold ocean currents distribute heat across the planet, influencing coastal climates. For example, the Gulf Stream warms the North Atlantic.
3. Altitude: Higher elevations generally experience cooler temperatures and different precipitation patterns than lower areas.
4. Seasonal Changes: The tilt of the Earth's axis leads to seasonal variations in temperature and weather, with changes in sunlight intensity and duration.
5. Human Activities: Urbanization, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions are increasingly impacting local and global weather patterns, contributing to climate change.

Understanding these factors is critical for climate science, agriculture, and disaster preparedness.