Which two factors are primarily used to classify climate?

The classification of climate primarily hinges on understanding temperature and precipitation, as these two factors significantly influence the Earth's various climate zones. Temperature dictates the thermal conditions of an area, while precipitation determines the moisture availability, both of which are crucial in defining the characteristics of a climate.

Temperature fluctuations help in identifying the differences between tropical, temperate, polar, and arid climates, while the amount and distribution of precipitation inform us about whether a region is desert-like, wet, or experiences monsoons. Together, these two elements create a framework for understanding climatic patterns and ecosystems, making them essential in climate classification.

Other factors, while they may influence local climate characteristics, do not serve as the primary criteria for overarching climate classification. For instance, wind patterns and humidity can impact the climate but are secondary to temperature and precipitation. Cloud cover and sunlight are important in shaping specific weather conditions but are not the main criteria for climate classification either. Geography and altitude certainly influence climate through their effects on temperature and precipitation but, again, do not serve as the primary classifying factors alone.