Which of the following factors affect temperature? I. Latitude II. Time III, Wind direction IV. Ocean current

Analyze the question: We are asked which of the listed items are factors that affect temperature (climatic controls).

Concept: The main factors that control temperature of a place are:

• Latitude – determines the angle of the sun's rays and the amount of insolation received. Low latitudes are hot, high latitudes are cold.
• Altitude – temperature falls with height (about 6.5°C per 1000 m).
• Distance from the sea (continentality) – coastal areas have a smaller range of temperature.
• Ocean currents – warm currents raise the temperature of coasts they pass (e.g., the North Atlantic Drift warms Western Europe), while cold currents lower it (e.g., the Benguela Current along southwest Africa).
• Prevailing winds / air masses – these do affect temperature in reality (for example, the Harmattan and the Tropical Maritime air mass).
• Cloud cover, aspect, and relief.

Evaluate each statement:

• I. Latitude – a major factor. ✔
• II. Time – this is not a physical control of temperature. It affects the time of day or season at which temperatures are measured, but it is not a climatic factor. ✘
• III. Wind direction – in a strict sense winds can transport warm or cool air, so it has some influence. But in the standard list of factors in the WASSCE syllabus, the options given do not pair it with a correct combination: options B pairs it with "Time", which is wrong.
• IV. Ocean current – a major factor. ✔

Matching with options:

• A (I and II) – includes Time ✘
• B (II and III) – includes Time ✘
• C (II and IV) – includes Time ✘
• D (I and IV) – both are standard, accepted factors ✔

Since the only option that avoids "Time" and contains two clearly valid factors is D, this is the best answer.

Answer: D. I and IV only

Exam tip: Remember the temperature controls with the phrase "LADO-C": Latitude, Altitude, Distance from sea, Ocean currents, Cloud cover (plus winds). If an option contains something like "time", which is not a physical control, you can eliminate it right away.