Define the two terms "weather" and "climate." Explain the difference between them

What will be an ideal response?


Weather is the instantaneous state of the atmosphere at a given time and place. Climate is the statistical summary of the weather to be expected in a given place, and includes information such as long term averages and the range of extremes experienced. One of the key differences is time. Weather is focused on the present and immediate future; meteorologists are interested in current observations and short-term forecasting. Climate studies require a long period of observations to allow for generalizations to be made about typical weather in a certain place. Climatologists are often focused on long term trends and shifts in weather patterns rather than specific weather events currently in progress.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

You might also like to view...

Name four ways wastage occurs in glaciers. Where on the glacier do each of these processes occur?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Mid-oceanic ridges are often marked by lines of ________ that carry and precipitate metals.

A. ocean trenches B. submarine volcanoes C. ocean currents D. hot springs E. seismic ridges

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

________ stress results in rocks being shortened or flattened.

A. Horizontal B. Tensional C. Elastic D. Orthogonal E. Compressive

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

Which of the following is not true regarding hurricanes and tornadoes?

A) The pressure gradient is strong. B) The pressure at the center of the storm is very low. C) Tremendous amounts of condensation occur in the center of the storm. D) There is very limited wind shear.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences