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key concept

53.3

Topography, Vegetation, and Humans Modify the Physical Environment

Three main factors can modify the pattern of global climate, determining regional and local variation in climate and other aspects of the physical environment: (1) Earth’s topography, (2) vegetation, and more recently, (3) the effects of humans.

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  • Mountains and other land-based topographic features influence regional and local physical conditions.

  • Ocean-floor topography affects water depth, which in turn affects light penetration, water temperature, water pressure, and water movement.

  • Human infrastructure and agriculture have transformed half of Earth’s area.