How does solar radiation primarily affect weather patterns?

Solar radiation plays a critical role in shaping weather patterns by warming the Earth's surface. This heating is uneven due to factors such as the angle of sunlight, surface materials, and geographical features, leading to temperature variations across different regions. As certain areas heat up, the air above them becomes warmer, less dense, and begins to rise. This process creates areas of lower pressure and prompts the movement of air from higher pressure areas, effectively driving atmospheric circulation.

The circulation is crucial for weather patterns, as it affects wind patterns, ocean currents, and the distribution of moisture in the atmosphere, all of which contribute to the development of weather systems. Additionally, the movement of heated air facilitates the formation of clouds and precipitation, further influencing local and global weather dynamics. Thus, the primary mechanism by which solar radiation affects weather patterns is through the heating of the Earth's surface, which initiates a complex interplay of atmospheric processes.