Climate

Definition

Climate is the long-term pattern of weather conditions in a particular area, including temperature, precipitation, and wind. It is influenced by various factors such as latitude, altitude, and proximity to water bodies.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Climate differs from weather in that it describes long-term trends rather than short-term changes.
2. The Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun are primary factors affecting climate patterns.
3. Climate zones are broadly categorized into tropical, temperate, and polar regions based on their characteristics.
4. Human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases, have significantly altered global climate patterns.
5. Climate change can lead to severe ecological impacts including loss of biodiversity and altered ecosystem services.

Review Questions

• What distinguishes climate from weather?
• How do latitude and altitude influence climate?
• What role do human activities play in altering global climate?

Related terms

Weather: The short-term state of the atmosphere at a given place and time, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and visibility

Greenhouse Gases: Gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) that trap heat in the Earth's atmosphere, contributing to global warming

Ecosystem Services: Benefits provided by ecosystems that contribute to making human life both possible and worth living