Weather vs climate flashcards

What is weather?

Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place, like temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

What is climate?

Climate is the long-term average of weather patterns in a certain area, usually defined over 30 years.

Difference between weather and climate

Weather is short-term, while climate is long-term. Weather can change daily; climate changes over decades.

True or false: Weather can predict climate.

False, because weather is variable and does not determine long-term climate patterns.

What factors affect weather?

Temperature, humidity, wind speed, atmospheric pressure, and precipitation are key factors.

Fill in the blank: Climate is measured in _____ averages.

Climate is measured in long-term averages, typically over 30 years.

True or false: Climate can change quickly.

False, because climate changes slowly over a long period, not suddenly.

How does latitude affect climate?

Latitude affects sunlight intensity and duration, influencing temperature and climate types.

What is an example of extreme weather?

Hurricanes, tornadoes, and blizzards are examples of extreme weather events.

What influences local weather patterns?

Topography, bodies of water, and urban areas can significantly influence local weather.

Difference between microclimate and macroclimate

Microclimate is a small area with unique climate conditions, while macroclimate refers to broader regional climates.

What tools measure weather?

Thermometers, barometers, anemometers, and radar are used to measure various weather factors.

True or false: Climate zones are static.

False, because climate zones can shift due to factors like global warming.

What is the greenhouse effect?

The greenhouse effect is the process where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, affecting climate.

Fill in the blank: Weather forecasts are typically accurate for _____ days.

Weather forecasts are typically accurate for about 3 to 7 days.

True or false: Climate change only affects temperature.

False, because climate change also impacts precipitation patterns, sea levels, and ecosystems.

How do ocean currents affect climate?

Ocean currents distribute heat across the globe, affecting regional climates and weather patterns.