Weather and Climate

What is the difference between weather and climate?

• There is no difference.

• Climate refers to weather conditions for a region over a period of time.

• Weather refers to climatic conditions for a region over a period of time.

• Climate is the location of the weather conditions at a particular time.

Earth has weather conditions because of :

• the surface

• the moon

• the atmosphere

• life

Some scientists measured and recorded local rainfall amounts and water levels at several local lakes over the summer. They compared their measurements with data from the past 30 years. The scientists concluded that the area was drier this summer than in previous years. They plan to continue recording these measurements each summer for the next decade. What characteristic of the area are the scientists studying?

• Climate, because they are making more than one type of measurement.

• Climate, because they are comparing rainfall amounts over a long period of time.

• Weather, because they are tracking changes only to their local environment.

• Weather, because they expect rainfall amounts and water levels to continue to decrease.