Which of the following factors does NOT influence surface temperature?

Geothermal activity does not primarily influence surface temperature in the way the other factors do. Latitude is vital because it determines the angle of sunlight received at different locations on Earth, which directly affects how much solar energy is absorbed and, consequently, the overall temperature. Elevation also plays a significant role; as altitude increases, temperature generally decreases due to the thinner atmosphere at higher elevations, which cannot retain heat as effectively.

Atmospheric pressure can influence weather patterns and conditions, which in turn can affect temperature to some extent. However, geothermal activity pertains more to heat generated within the Earth rather than the overall temperature experienced at the surface, especially in typical environmental conditions. While geothermal heat can create localized variations in temperature, it is not a direct factor influencing the general surface temperatures across regions as latitude, elevation, and atmospheric pressure do.