weather and climate

• Weather:

  ✓ Describes the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time.

  ✓ Includes factors like temperature, humidity, wind speed and direction, precipitation, cloud cover, and

  atmospheric pressure.

  ✓ Weather changes frequently and can vary widely from day to day or even hour to hour.

  ✓ Often reported in daily forecasts by meteorologists.
• What does temperature measure in the atmosphere?

  The warmth or coldness of the air
• How is temperature typically expressed?

  In degrees Fahrenheit or Celsius
• What does humidity refer to?

  The amount of moisture in the air
• How is humidity often expressed?


  As relative humidity
• What does precipitation include?


  Rain, snow, sleet, and hail
• What does precipitation indicate?

  The amount of water falling to the ground
• What do wind speed and direction describe?


  The movement of air
• How is wind speed measured?

  In miles per hour (mph) or kilometers per hour (km/h)
• What does atmospheric pressure represent?

  The weight of the air above
• How does atmospheric pressure affect weather?


  It affects weather patterns and conditions
• What does cloud cover indicate?

  The amount and types of clouds present in the sky
• How does cloud cover influence weather?

  It influences temperature and precipitation
• Climate:

  ✓ Describes the long-term average weather patterns in a region over a period of years or decades.

  ✓ Includes factors like average temperature, precipitation levels, humidity, wind patterns, and seasonal

  variations.

  ✓ Climate is more stable and predictable compared to weather.

  ✓ Influences the types of ecosystems, plant and animal life, and human activities in a region.
• What does the average temperature refer to in a region?

  The typical temperature range experienced in a region over a long period.
• How do precipitation patterns affect a region?

  They describe the amount and distribution of rainfall or snowfall throughout the year.
• What are seasonal variations in weather patterns?

  Changes in weather patterns and conditions based on the seasons.
• Why are humidity levels important in a region?

  They represent the moisture content in the air, influencing comfort and vegetation.
• How do wind patterns influence climate zones?

  They include prevailing winds and local wind systems, affecting climate zones and weather patterns.
• What are extreme weather events?

  Occurrences like heatwaves, cold snaps, droughts, and storms that impact climate over time.
• What are the key elements that influence climate in a region?

  • Average Temperature
  • Precipitation Patterns
  • Seasonal Variations
  • Humidity Levels
  • Wind Patterns
  • Extreme Weather Events
• What are the three types of tropical climates mentioned?

  Tropical Wet, Tropical Monsoon, and Tropical Wet and Dry
• What characterizes Tropical Wet climates?

  Rainforests with warm temperatures and heavy rainfall
• How do Tropical Monsoon climates differ from Tropical Wet climates?

  Tropical Monsoon climates have alternating wet and dry seasons due to monsoon winds
• What defines Tropical Wet and Dry climates?

  They are characterized by savannas with wet and dry periods supporting grasslands
• What are the two types of Dry Climates mentioned?

  Arid and Semiarid
• What is a characteristic of Arid climates?

  They have extremely low precipitation levels, often deserts
• How do Semiarid climates differ from Arid climates?

  Semiarid climates have moderate precipitation, supporting grasslands but less than in tropical climates
• What are the three types of Mild Climates mentioned?


  Mediterranean, Humid Subtropical, and Marine
• What characterizes Mediterranean climates?

  Warm summers, mild winters, and short rainy seasons
• What defines Humid Subtropical climates?

  Hot, humid summers and mild winters with year-round precipitation
• What is a characteristic of Marine climates?

  They have cooler temperatures with moderate rainfall throughout the year
• What are the three types of Continental climates mentioned?

  Warm Summer, Cool Summer, and Subarctic (boreal)
• What characterizes Warm Summer Continental climates?

  Hot summers and cold winters with moderate precipitation
• How do Cool Summer Continental climates differ from Warm Summer climates?

  Cool Summer climates have cold winters and cool summers with moderate precipitation
• What defines Subarctic (boreal) climates?

  Very cold winters, short summers, and low precipitation
• What are the two types of Polar climates mentioned?

  Tundra and Ice Cap
• What characterizes Tundra climates?

  Cold climates with short growing seasons and limited vegetation
• What defines Ice Cap climates?

  Extremely cold temperatures with permanent ice cover and minimal precipitation