Explain how climate differs from weather, including the timescales each addresses.
Understand the Problem
The question asks for a comparison between climate and weather, focusing on their definitions and the time scales each considers. Essentially, it's asking you to differentiate between short-term atmospheric conditions (weather) and long-term patterns (climate).
Answer
Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the average of these conditions over a long period of time.
Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, like daily temperature and precipitation. Climate is the average of these weather patterns over a long period, typically 30 years or more. Therefore, weather happens on timescales of minutes to seasons, while climate looks at years, decades, or even centuries.
Answer for screen readers
Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions, like daily temperature and precipitation. Climate is the average of these weather patterns over a long period, typically 30 years or more. Therefore, weather happens on timescales of minutes to seasons, while climate looks at years, decades, or even centuries.
More Information
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standard for calculating climate is 30 years.
Tips
A common mistake is thinking weather and climate are the same thing. Remember, weather is what you get (day-to-day), climate is what you expect (long-term average).
Sources
- What's the Difference Between Weather and Climate? | News - ncei.noaa.gov
- What is the difference between weather and climate? - usgs.gov
- Weather And Climate | NASA Climate Kids - climatekids.nasa.gov
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