What can affect local climate alongside elevation?

The local climate can be significantly affected by global circulation patterns. These patterns are large-scale movements of air that distribute heat and moisture around the planet. They are influenced by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface by the sun, which creates different temperature zones that drive the wind patterns. Changes in these circulation patterns can lead to variations in local climate conditions, such as temperature and precipitation.

For example, regions that might initially experience one type of climate could see dramatic shifts due to alterations in global wind patterns, such as El Niño or La Niña events. These changes can bring about wetter or drier conditions than what is typical for an area, illustrating how interconnected global mechanisms directly influence local environments.