Weather and Climate

Climate is the long-term pattern of weather in a particular area, typically averaged over a period of 30 years or more.

Weather refers to the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, and wind.

Longitude does not significantly affect climate compared to latitude, altitude, and proximity to oceans.

Large bodies of water moderate climate by absorbing heat in the summer and releasing it in the winter, affecting local temperatures.

The Sun's energy causes liquid water to evaporate, turning it into water vapor, which is a key process in the water cycle.

Weather describes the current atmospheric conditions, while climate is the average of those conditions over a long period.

Higher altitudes generally lead to cooler temperatures and different weather patterns compared to lower altitudes.

The greenhouse effect is the process by which certain gases in Earth's atmosphere trap heat, keeping the planet warm.

Prevailing winds are winds that blow predominantly from a single general direction over a particular point on the Earth's surface.

Ocean currents can transport warm or cold water across vast distances, influencing the climate of coastal regions.