These are still evident in most countries. Recent advances in technology have reduced the necessity of using them as boundary lines. A location may be identified by describing its climate. Seasonal temperatures of a region are related to the slant of the sun's rays. Temperature and precipitation are related to a location's proximity to large bodies of water.
Ocean currents influence temperature and precipitation.
Prevailing winds affect both climate and vegetation. A location may be categorized according to its vegetation. The climate of a location largely determines both its natural vegetation and the crops grown. In many regions of the world, the natural vegetation has been replaced by cultivation. The crops grown in these regions are generally for the purpose of food production to meet local needs or for export.