Weather and Climate

The area in which you live has a particular climate. It also has weather. What is the difference between climate and weather?

• Climate is determined by temperature and precipitation, whereas weather is determined only by humidity, air pressure, and wind conditions.

• Weather is determined by temperature and precipitation, whereas climate is determined only by humidity, air pressure, and wind conditions.

• Climate is the condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place, whereas weather is the characteristic climate in an area over a long period of time.

• Weather is the condition of Earth’s atmosphere at a particular time and place, whereas climate is the characteristic weather in an area over a long period of time.

Many factors are used to determine the climate of an area. Which of the following are the two main factors that determine climate?

• Precipitation and humidity

• Temperature and air pressure

• Temperature and precipitation

• Wind conditions and humidity

Eliana measures the outdoor temperatures each day for a week at exactly 3:00 pm. The temperatures she records are all between 25 ◦C and 30 ◦C. Eliana concludes that the climate of her area is tropical. What is the most important reason why her study and conclusion may not be correct?

• She recorded the temperature at only one time of day instead of more often.

• She made her conclusion based only on temperature and not also on precipitation.

• She made her conclusion based on only 1 week of data instead of over a long period of time.

• She did not calculate the humidity, air pressure, and wind conditions when she made her conclusion.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

The map shows the locations of Gainesville and Miami, two cities in Florida. At any one time, the range of temperatures in Gainesville differs from the range of temperatures in Miami. Based on evidence in the map, what most likely causes the range of temperatures to differ in Gainesville and Miami?

• Miami is located closer to the ocean than Gainesville is, and this causes its temperatures to vary less widely.

• Gainesville is located much farther north than Miami is, so its temperatures vary more widely.

• Miami is located closer to the ocean than Gainesville is, and winds from the ocean cause its temperatures to vary more widely.

• Gainesville is farther inland than Miami is, so its climate is more moderate.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Aurora records the following observations: It rained on Monday. It was sunny on Tuesday. It rained again on Wednesday. What is Aurora recording?

• Observations of the climate

• Observations of the weather

• Observations of both weather and climate

• Observations of neither weather nor climate

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

One of the main factors used to determine climate is temperature. For example, a tropical climate has generally warm temperatures throughout the year. What is the other main factor used to determine climate?

• Humidity

• Air pressure

• Precipitation

• Wind conditions

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which term refers to the atmospheric conditions of a certain place at a certain time?

• Dew point

• Humidity

• Water cycle

• Weather

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

NGSS.MS-ESS2-6

Which latitude receives the most direct rays of the Sun year-round?

• 0°

• 30°

• 60°

• 90°

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS1-1

Lisa’s science class is recording weather patterns in the Miami area during the month of November. Each day, they write down the temperature at 10 a.m. and the current weather. At the end of the first week, the class wants to check their findings against an official record. Which of these reference materials would be the best source for recent weather events in Miami?

• A daily newspaper

• A Miami-Dade travel guide

• U.S. rainfall data printed in an almanac

• The entry about climate in an encyclopedia

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Jorge looked out the window at the thermometer. He recorded the information shown. Which conclusion below can Jorge make based on information from his reading?

• The current climate indicates that a puddle of water is likely to freeze.

• The current weather indicates that a puddle of water is likely to freeze.

• The current climate indicates that a puddle of water is not likely to freeze.

• The current weather indicates that a puddle of water is not likely to freeze.

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5