Climate

Front

Weather Noun

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[weth-er]

Back

Weather

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The short-term atmospheric conditions at a specific place and time, including temperature, humidity, wind, and precipitation.

Front

Climate Noun

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[kly-mit]

Back

Climate

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The long-term average of weather patterns in a particular location, typically calculated over a period of 30 years or more.

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Example: This diagram shows how greenhouse gases in the atmosphere trap the sun's heat, which warms the Earth and creates its overall climate.

Front

Humidity Noun

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[hyoo-mid-i-tee]

Back

Humidity

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A measure of the amount of water vapor, the gaseous state of water, that is present in the atmosphere.

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Example: This diagram shows that humidity is a measure of water in the air, represented by levels from low (fewer, empty drops) to high (more, full drops).

Front

Precipitation Noun

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[pri-sip-i-tey-shuhn]

Back

Precipitation

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Any form of condensed water, such as rain, snow, or hail, that falls from clouds to the Earth's surface.

Front

Microclimate Noun

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[my-kroh-kly-mit]

Back

Microclimate

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The distinct climate of a very small or restricted area that differs from the climate of the surrounding larger region.

Front

Windward Adjective

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[wind-werd]

Back

Windward

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The side or direction facing the prevailing wind, which typically experiences higher levels of precipitation and cooler, moist air.

Front

Leeward Adjective

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[lee-werd]

Back

Leeward

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The side or direction sheltered from the wind, which is characteristically drier and warmer due to descending, compressed air.

Front

Rain Shadow Noun

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[reyn shad-oh]

Back

Rain Shadow

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A dry area on the leeward side of a mountainous region, where precipitation is blocked by the mountain range.

Front

Latitude Noun

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[lat-i-tood]

Back

Latitude

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The measurement of distance north or south of the Earth's equator, expressed in degrees, significantly influencing a region's climate.

Front

Altitude Noun

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[al-ti-tood]

Back

Altitude

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The height of a location or point measured from a reference point, typically sea level, affecting temperature and climate.