![]() Topography and vegetation influence climate by helping determine how the Sun’s energy is used on Earth. This “ocean conveyor belt” has an enormous influence on marine ecosystems and biodiversity. The cryosphere also helps regulate thermohaline circulation. Ice sheets and glaciers reflect sunlight, and the thermal conductivity of ice and permafrost profoundly influences temperature. The cryosphere is another generally consistent part of the climate system. Changes to the hydrosphere, which include variations in temperature and salinity, occur at much slower rates than changes to the atmosphere. The composition and movement of gases surrounding the Earth can change radically, influenced by natural and human-made factors. The atmosphere is the most variable part of the climate system. A climate system has five major components: the atmosphere, the hydrosphere, the cryosphere, the land surface, and the biosphere. Climate is determined by a region’s climate system. Between the icy poles and the steamy tropics are many other climates that contribute to Earth’s biodiversity and geologic heritage. Others are cold and snow-covered most of the year. Some parts of the world are hot and rainy nearly every day. ![]() Climate System Different parts of the world have different climates. A region’s weather patterns, usually tracked for at least 30 years, are considered its climate. Weather can change from hour-to-hour, day-to-day, month-to-month or even year-to-year. Climate is the long-term pattern of weather in a particular area. ![]()
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