What is the main source of energy for Earth’s weather systems?

The main source of energy for Earth's weather systems is the Sun. Solar energy drives the majority of processes in the atmosphere, influencing temperature, evaporation, and atmospheric circulation patterns. This energy heats the Earth's surface, causing warm air to rise and cooler air to sink, creating wind patterns. Additionally, the sun’s energy plays a crucial role in the water cycle, leading to processes such as evaporation and condensation, which are essential for cloud formation and precipitation.

While the Moon does influence tides and can have a minor effect on weather patterns, it does not provide energy to weather systems. Geothermal energy, which comes from the Earth's interior, is not a significant contributor to atmospheric processes compared to solar energy. Ocean currents are influenced by wind patterns and heat from the Sun, but they themselves do not serve as the primary energy source for weather systems. Thus, it is the Sun that is fundamental to understanding Earth's weather dynamics.