Final answer:
Latitude is the term used to describe the distance north or south of the equator and it influences climate patterns on Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the distance north or south of the equator is latitude. Latitude influences climate patterns on Earth because it determines the angle of direct sunlight that an area receives. Places closer to the equator have a warmer climate because they receive more direct sunlight, while places farther from the equator have a cooler climate because they receive less direct sunlight.