Question
How does the unequal distribution of heat over the planet earth in space and time cause variations in weather and climate ?
Solution
The earth receives almost all of its energy from the sun. The earth in turn radiates back to space the energy received from the sun. In the process, the earth neither warms nor cools over a period of time. The amount of heat received by different parts of the earth is not the same. This variation causes pressure difference in the atmosphere. This leads to transfer of heat from one region to the other by winds. Thus the weather and climate are ultimately caused by the unequal distribution of heat over the planet earth over space and time.
