Final answer:
Apart from the sun's rays, climate is affected by the greenhouse effect, variations in solar energy, Earth's surface and atmospheric reflectivity (albedo), and the presence of volcanic activity and aerosols.
Step-by-step explanation:
Apart from exposure to the sun's rays, there are several other factors that affect climate:
- Changes in the greenhouse effect, which influences the amount of heat retained by Earth's atmosphere.
- Variations in the sun's energy that reach Earth, including changes in solar output.
- Alterations in the reflectivity of Earth's surface and atmosphere, known as the albedo effect, which changes how much sunlight is absorbed or reflected back into space.
- The impact of volcanic activity and aerosols on Earth's climate, which can either cool or warm the planet depending on their properties.
For instance, volcanic eruptions can inject particles into the atmosphere that reflect sunlight and cool the Earth. Similarly, changes in solar intensity, such as during the "Little Ice Age," show how shifts in the sun can lead to climate variations. Manmade influences such as aerosols from burning fossil fuels can alter the Earth's albedo, affecting climate patterns. Overall, these factors can combine to have a significant impact on our global climate system.