1. uneven heating of earth's surface (dependent on angle of dun that hits earth) 2. seasonal changes in temperature and precipitation due to tilting of earth's axis 3. convection currents/cells = movement of air across earth's surface (hot rise, cool falls) --> distribution of heat and moisture by vertical currents from 6 giant convection cells @ different latitudes --> determines climatic zones (very patterned manner) 4. rotation of earth on its axis (turns faster beneath air masses @ equator vs poles, results in prevailing winds)