Final answer:
Climate and weather are shaped by a complex system involving the global circulation of winds, ocean currents, and the retained solar energy in the hydrosphere, which is distributed across the planet. This system is influenced by Earth's rotation, seasonal changes, and even changes in solar intensity. Over longer periods, continental movement can significantly affect the global climate by altering circulation patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Climate and weather are indeed produced by a global system of winds and ocean currents, and Earth's global climate system is indeed powered by the retained energy from solar radiation, primarily stored as heat in the hydrosphere (oceans). This energy absorbed by the oceans, especially around the equator, is redistributed to other parts of the world via ocean currents and atmospheric circulation. These processes help to even out climate extremes, making maritime climates more moderate compared to continental climates which usually experience greater temperature extremes. The redistribution of heat is assisted by factors such as the Earth's rotation and its slow seasonal changes, which affect the amount of sunlight different areas receive.
Over time, the movement and location of continents also play a significant role in shaping Earth's climate by influencing ocean and atmospheric circulation. These circulations act as conveyor belts, moving excess heat from the equatorial regions to the polar regions. Additionally, changes in the Sun's energy can affect how much reaches Earth, influencing our climate through natural cycles and causing variations such as warming and cooling periods. This complex and interdisciplinary system involves interactions among the atmosphere, hydrosphere, cryosphere, lithosphere, biosphere, and anthrosphere.