How are weather and climate examples of a system?

Background: The physical environment of the Earth is a complex myriad of seemingly discrete variables, e.g. mountains, river valleys, hawks, polar bears, glacial ice, wind, saline ocean water, and on and on and on ... None of the these "separate" environmental entities exists beyond the physical influence of the others. This is the thrust (i.e. INTERACTION) of Berdichevsky's thesis or approach to the study of physical geography. Weather and climate are a part of that study. Do some additional research (use a physical geography textbook, the Web - a Google search, etc.) to acquaint yourself with the concept of Earth's four geospheres. The Earth's atmosphere is one of these geospheres... click for more

Weather and Climate

What is the principal (primary) control of atmospheric temperature?

Earth axis

How would the seasons be affected if the Earth's axis were not inclined 23 1/2 degrees from the plane of the ecliptic, but were instead perpendicular to that orbital plane?

Latitude

Los Angeles and Littlerock, AK are approximately at the same latitude. Given this latitudinal similarity, discuss/explain the distinct temperature differences that occur in these two locations during their respective summer and the winter seasons.