Final answer:
The angle of the sun on Earth's surface creates temperature and pressure variations, which lead to wind pattern formation. These are further influenced by the Coriolis effect due to Earth's rotation. Seasonal and long-term climatic changes, as well as barometric pressure differences, also affect wind patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
The angle of the sun hitting the Earth's surface is crucial in determining the planet's weather patterns. Areas struck directly by sunlight, like the equator, receive more energy, leading to warmer temperatures and lower air pressure. This causes air to rise, creating a low-pressure zone. Areas that receive less direct sunlight, such as the poles, are colder, and the higher air pressure there causes air to sink. These temperature differences between equatorial and polar regions create temperature differences and air pressure variations, which in turn drive the formation of wind patterns. The rotation of Earth and the resulting Coriolis effect further influence how these wind patterns move.
Moreover, sunlight intensity can impact the Earth's climate over longer periods. Changes in Earth's orbit, tilt, and the sun's energy output, like the 11-year solar cycle, can cause the climate to either warm or cool, based on changes in how much sunlight reaches different areas of the planet.
Lastly, wind patterns are also influenced by the barometric pressure variations. High-pressure zones move air towards low-pressure zones, leading to stronger winds and, in certain conditions, severe weather like storms or tornadoes. The Coriolis effect also dictates the rotational direction of large weather systems like hurricanes and cyclones in different hemispheres.