Which factor affects climate?

Latitude is a key factor affecting climate because it determines the amount of solar radiation a location receives throughout the year. Areas near the equator, which are located at low latitudes, receive more direct sunlight and therefore tend to have warmer climates. In contrast, regions at higher latitudes, closer to the poles, receive sunlight at a more oblique angle, resulting in cooler temperatures and more pronounced seasonal changes.

Furthermore, latitude influences the type of vegetation and ecosystems that can thrive in a region, as well as precipitation patterns. These patterns often dictate whether an area is arid, temperate, or tropical. Understanding latitude helps in predicting climate types and understanding the distribution of different climates across the globe, such as deserts, rainforests, and tundras.

While altitude, population density, and urbanization also play roles in local climate conditions, latitude is the primary influence on broad climate zones and patterns around the world.