Which of the following is a factor that influences surface temperature?

Latitude is a primary factor influencing surface temperature because it determines the angle at which sunlight strikes the Earth. Areas near the equator receive direct sunlight year-round, leading to generally higher temperatures, while regions closer to the poles receive sunlight at a more oblique angle, resulting in lower temperatures. This variation in sunlight affects not only temperature but also seasonal changes.

Other factors like solar flare activity, while they can impact atmospheric conditions and radiation levels in the short term, do not have a direct, consistent influence on surface temperatures across the globe. Soil composition and urban development can affect local temperatures, known as microclimates, but latitude has a more significant and widespread impact on global temperature patterns.