Weather and Climate

water cycle

• the process by which water is stored in glaciers and ice caps

• the continual movement of water among Earth's atmosphere, oceans, and land surface through evaporation, condensation, and precipitation

• the method of water purification using chemical treatments

• the cycle of water used in industrial processes

air pressure

• the pressure caused by the weight of a column of air pushing down on an area

• the force exerted by the movement of air molecules in a confined space

• the pressure exerted by the weight of water in a column above a surface

• the resistance felt by objects moving through the atmosphere

condensation

• the process by which molecules of water vapor in the air become liquid water

• the process of water turning into vapor

• the process of freezing water into ice

• the process of water being absorbed by soil

microclimate

• a large area with a uniform climate

• a small area with a different climate than the surrounding area, often influenced by local geography or human activity

• a climate that is consistent throughout the year

• a climate that is only found in urban areas

fronts

• boundaries between two different air masses, which can lead to changes in weather

• areas where high pressure meets low pressure, causing storms

• regions of the atmosphere where temperature inversions occur

• zones of constant temperature and humidity

climate

• the long-term average of weather patterns in a particular area over a significant period of time

• the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific location

• the seasonal variations in temperature and precipitation

• the daily changes in weather patterns

precipitation

• any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth's surface

• a type of cloud formation

• the process of water evaporating from the ground

• a measure of humidity in the air

atmosphere

• the layer of gases surrounding Earth, essential for weather and climate

• a type of weather pattern that occurs in the tropics

• the solid outer layer of the Earth

• a phenomenon that occurs during solar eclipses

tropics

• the warm, moist climate zone near the equator, characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall

• a cold, dry climate zone found near the poles

• a temperate climate zone with moderate temperatures and seasonal rainfall

• a desert climate characterized by extreme heat and very little rainfall

humidity

• moisture in the air

• a type of precipitation

• the temperature of the air

• the amount of sunlight