Which of the following is considered a major factor in weather patterns?

Global wind circulation is indeed a major factor in weather patterns because it refers to the large-scale movement of air that distributes thermal energy across the planet. This circulation is driven by differences in temperature and pressure, which are influenced by the sun's heating of the Earth. These winds help to transport warm air from the equator towards the poles and bring cold air from the poles toward the equator, significantly affecting local and regional climates. For instance, global wind patterns can lead to phenomena such as trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies, which each have distinct impacts on weather patterns, including storm formation and precipitation distribution.

While local geography, plant life, and human activity can all influence weather and climate in various ways, they do so within the context established by the overarching patterns of global wind circulation, making the latter a more fundamental factor in understanding overall weather dynamics.