Understanding Climate and Weather

The video discusses the recent extreme cold in the Midwest, explaining that while it may seem to contradict global warming, it is actually consistent with climate change models. The difference between climate and weather is clarified, and the polar vortex is explained as a factor in extreme weather. The impact of Arctic warming on weather patterns is discussed, with evidence supporting climate change presented. Future weather predictions are made, highlighting the uncertainty and need for more data. The video concludes with information on SciShow channel membership perks.

What was one of the consequences of the extreme cold in Chicago?

• Schools remained open

• Increased tourism

• Flights were cancelled

• Heatwave in the Midwest

How is weather different from climate?

• Weather is short-term, climate is long-term

• Weather is long-term, climate is short-term

• Weather and climate are the same

• Weather is predictable, climate is not

What is the polar vortex?

• A warm air mass near the equator

• A type of ocean current

• A seasonal wind pattern

• A large area of low pressure and cold air near the poles

What happens when the polar jet stream slows down?

• The polar vortex moves to the equator

• The polar vortex can move southward

• The polar vortex disappears

• The polar vortex becomes more stable

What is one effect of a warming Arctic on weather patterns?

• No change in weather patterns

• Increased frequency of extreme weather

• Less extreme weather events

• More stable weather

What is arctic amplification?

• The process of the Arctic remaining stable

• The process of the Arctic becoming colder

• The process of the Arctic warming faster than other regions

• The process of the Arctic cooling faster than other regions

What did the 2015 paper published in Science reveal about the polar vortex?

• The polar vortex has remained unchanged

• The polar vortex has moved to the equator

• The polar vortex has decreased in speed

• The polar vortex has become stronger

What global evidence supports climate change?

• Equal number of hot and cold records

• No change in temperature records

• More record-setting hot days than cold ones

• More record-setting cold days than hot ones

What is the predicted future impact of the polar vortex according to a 2016 paper?

• It will become more stable

• It will shift towards the equator

• It will shift eastward towards Eurasia

• It will disappear completely

What is the significance of the US in the context of global climate change?

• It is the only region experiencing climate change

• It is a small part of the Earth's surface

• It covers most of the Earth's surface

• It is unaffected by climate change