The primary influence on Earth's climate is determined by what geographical characteristic?

The primary influence on Earth's climate is determined by latitude because latitude affects the angle of sunlight that reaches the Earth’s surface, which in turn influences temperature and climatic conditions. Areas near the equator, located at low latitudes, receive direct sunlight throughout the year, leading to warmer temperatures and tropical climates. Conversely, as one moves toward higher latitudes, such as the poles, the angle of sunlight becomes more oblique, resulting in colder temperatures and polar climates.

Latitude also plays a crucial role in defining climate zones, such as tropical, temperate, and polar climates, each of which has distinct weather patterns and ecosystems. Understanding how latitude affects temperature and climate helps explain why different regions experience varying weather conditions and seasonal changes.

While altitude, longitude, and proximity to oceans also impact climate, they are not as fundamentally influential as latitude. For instance, altitude affects temperature, but its impact can vary widely depending on latitude. Longitude pertains to time zones and doesn’t significantly alter climate, and while proximity to oceans influences regional climate conditions, the overarching factor that dictates the general climate patterns on Earth is latitude.