Question

How does the unequal distribution of heat over the planet earth in space and time cause variation in weather and climate ?

Answer 1

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.

Answer 2

Answer: The higher the latitude, the less is the angle the rays make with the surface of the earth resulting in slant rays. The area covered by the vertical rays is always less than the slant rays. If more area is covered, the energy gets distributed and the net energy received per unit area decreases.