Climate vs Weather

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Weather Noun

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[weth-er]

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Weather

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The short-term conditions of the atmosphere at a particular place and time, occurring over minutes, hours, or days.

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Example: This icon shows rain and humidity (the percent symbol), which are short-term atmospheric conditions that define weather at a specific time and place.

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Climate Noun

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[kly-mit]

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Climate

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The long-term pattern of weather in a particular area, typically averaged over a period of at least 30 years.

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Example: This diagram shows Earth's major climate zones, which are long-term weather patterns in large areas, determined by latitude from the equator to the poles.

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Atmosphere Noun

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[at-muh-sfeer]

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Atmosphere

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The envelope of gases surrounding the Earth, which is a key component of the planet's complex climate system.

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Example: This diagram shows the atmosphere is a blanket of gases divided into distinct layers, each with different temperatures and altitudes. Weather occurs in the lowest layer.

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Humidity Noun

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[hyoo-mid-i-tee]

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Humidity

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A measure of the amount of water vapor present in the air, indicating the level of moisture in the atmosphere.

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Example: This image shows that humidity, a key weather element, is measured on a scale, with higher percentages indicating more water vapor in the air.

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Atmospheric Pressure Noun

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[at-muh-sfer-ik presh-er]

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Atmospheric Pressure

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The pressure exerted by the weight of the atmosphere, which is a key factor in influencing weather patterns and conditions.

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Example: This diagram shows that atmospheric pressure is highest at sea level and decreases with altitude because there are fewer air particles pressing down from above.

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Climate System Noun

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[kly-mit sis-tuhm]

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Climate System

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The interaction of the atmosphere, biosphere, and other parts of the Earth that work together to determine weather patterns.

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Example: The climate system is made of interacting parts: the atmosphere (air), hydrosphere (water), lithosphere (land), and biosphere (life), which together determine long-term weather patterns.

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Biosphere Noun

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[bahy-oh-sfeer]

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Biosphere

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The regions of the Earth's surface, atmosphere, and hydrosphere that are occupied by living organisms and their habitats.

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Example: This diagram shows the biosphere as the zone of life on Earth, including organisms in the air (atmosphere), water (hydrosphere), and on land (lithosphere).

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Solar Radiation Noun

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[soh-ler rey-dee-ey-shuhn]

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Solar Radiation

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Energy emitted by the sun, which influences Earth's temperature based on the angle of absorption and time of day.

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Example: The Sun sends energy, called solar radiation, across space to the Earth, which heats our planet and drives its weather and climate.

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Latitude Noun

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[lat-i-tood]

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Latitude

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The geographic coordinate specifying the north-south position of a point on the Earth's surface, which significantly influences climate.

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Example: This diagram shows Earth with horizontal lines of latitude, which measure distance north or south of the Equator (0 degrees), a key factor in determining climate.

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Elevation Noun

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[el-uh-vey-shuhn]

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Elevation

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The height of a geographic location above a fixed reference point, which directly influences local weather and climate conditions.

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Example: This image shows the 'Angle of Elevation,' which is the angle between a horizontal line and the line of sight to a point above.