Climate Controls

1.  Solar energy distribution (insolation) and its
     variation with latitude

2.  Distribution of land and water

3.  Ocean currents

4.  Prevailing winds and seasonal shifts
     (monsoons)

5.  Persistent positions of low- and high-pressure
     areas

6.  Mountain barriers

7.  Altitude

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These factors all play major roles in determining both temperature and precipitation patterns.