1. Latitude: The distance from the equator influences the amount of solar radiation a region receives. Areas closer to the equator receive more direct sunlight and have warmer temperatures, while areas further away receive less direct sunlight and have colder temperatures.
2. Altitude: As altitude increases, the atmosphere becomes thinner and less able to retain heat. This leads to cooler temperatures at higher altitudes.
3. Ocean Currents: Warm and cold ocean currents transport heat around the globe, influencing the temperature and precipitation patterns of coastal areas.
4. Air Masses: Large bodies of air with distinct temperature and moisture characteristics move around the globe, influencing the weather and climate of specific regions.
These four factors interact in complex ways to create the diverse climates we see around the world.
