The correct answer is - distribution of sunlight.
The distribution of sunlight on the surface on the Earth is an essential factor that determines the climate type of a certain region. Because our planet is rounded, or ecliptic-shaped if you will, the sunlight is not reaching all the parts of the surface in the same manner and intensity.
The sun is the strongest on and around the equator, and this is due to the more direct fall of the sunlight, so the sunlight is more concentrated. In the mid-latitudes, the Earth's curvature is making the sunlight to be more dispersed as it falls at a sharper angle, so the same sunlight as in the Equator is more dispersed, thus heating the surface less. And than, on and around the poles, the sunlight comes in at such a sharp angle that the sunlight is extremely dispersed over a very large area, so the heating is very minor.
The earth has three main climate zones because of the differences in latitude and distribution of sunlight.
Further Explanation:
The axis of the earth is tilt, due to which the sun strikes different region at different angle. The sun strikes the equator at almost vertical angle and maximum sunlight reaches the area around equator. The sunlight reaches the poles at a shallower anglethat is why they are coldest in comparison to the tropical region.
Justification for correct and incorrect answer:
Amount of precipitation received: This option is incorrect.
The level of precipitation in the region determines the amount of rainfall the region will have.It occurs when a part of the atmosphere saturates with water vapor, and the water condenses and precipitates. If the region has higher precipitation then the level of rainfall will be high. It affects the climate of the region, not the whole earth.
Distribution of sunlight: This option is correct.
The axis of the earth is tilt, due to which the sun strikes different region at different angle. The sun strikes the equator at almost vertical angle, thus maximum sunlight reaches the area around equator. The sunlight reaches the poles at a shallower angle that is why they are coldest in comparison to the tropical region.
Ocean currents: This option is incorrect.
They are generated when the forces like the wind, the earth's rotation, gravitation of the moon, the salinity difference and temperature act upon the water. Thus, the current formation impact the climate of the region that are close to the oceans so, it does not influence the climate of the earth.
Prevailing winds: This option is incorrect.
The surface wind blows from a particular direction in a region is known as prevailing winds. Therefore, it does not divide earth into three different climate zone.
Learn more:
Answer details:
Grade: High School
Subject: Geography
Chapter: Weather and climate
Keywords:Earth has three main climate zones because of the differences in latitude and, amount of precipitation received, distribution of sunlight, ocean currents, prevailing winds.weather and climate
