Final answer:
Atmospheric circulations are primarily caused by solar heating, which unevenly heats Earth's surface, and are significantly affected by Earth's rotation which introduces the Coriolis effect.
Step-by-step explanation:
The atmospheric circulations, which are essentially large-scale movements of air relative to the Earth's surface, are primarily caused by solar heating. When the Sun's energy heats the Earth, it does not do so evenly. This differential heating causes areas of low and high pressure, leading to air movement as the atmosphere attempts to reach equilibrium.
Another significant factor influencing these atmospheric circulations is the Earth's rotation, which affects the movement of air through the Coriolis effect. This is why we observe particular weather patterns and ocean current behaviors.
The Coriolis effect, resulting from the Earth's rotation, tends to cause an easterly flow of air in the northern hemisphere. Both the atmosphere and oceans work together to redistribute heat from warmer to cooler areas, resulting in a more even spread of temperature across the planet.
Factors like Earth’s orbital changes, axial tilt, and the greenhouse effect can also lead to longer-term climate variations, such as ice ages.