Which phenomenon is caused by the unequal heating of the Earth's surface?

The correct answer is weather patterns. Weather patterns are a direct result of the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, which influences air movement, pressure systems, and moisture distribution. As different areas of the Earth receive varying amounts of solar energy, this leads to temperature differences that drive the movement of air masses. Consequently, these movements establish specific weather conditions such as wind, precipitation, and temperature variations across different regions.

While seasons are also caused by the tilt of the Earth's axis and its orbit around the sun, rather than solely by unequal heating, they are not the direct result of the heating process itself. The Coriolis effect originates from the rotation of the Earth, affecting wind direction, but is not caused directly by heating variations. Ocean currents are influenced by factors like wind and the Earth's rotation, but they stem from a combination of various processes, including temperature gradients rather than unequal heating alone. Therefore, weather patterns best encapsulate the direct impact of the Earth's surface heating on atmospheric conditions.