Earth's Weather and Climate

The difference between weather and climate is:

• Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions while climate is the average of weather over a long period.

• Weather and climate are the same and can be used interchangeably.

• Weather is the study of climate patterns over time, while climate is the current atmospheric condition.

• Weather is only about temperature, while climate includes temperature, humidity, and precipitation.

Answer explanation

The correct choice explains that weather is about short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate represents the long-term average of those conditions, highlighting the key distinction between the two concepts.

Which of the following is a type of cloud that is considered a storm cloud?

• Cumulus

• Nimbus

• Stratus

• Cirrus

Answer explanation

Nimbus clouds are known as storm clouds because they are associated with precipitation. Unlike cumulus, stratus, and cirrus clouds, nimbus clouds indicate that rain or storms are likely.

Fill in the blank: Two important factors that determine climate are air temperature and ____.

• precipitation

• humidity

• wind speed

• sunlight

Answer explanation

Precipitation is a key factor in determining climate, as it affects water availability and ecosystem health. While air temperature influences heat, precipitation directly impacts moisture levels, making it essential for climate.

Scientists use data to define a region's climate by analyzing:

• temperature patterns over time

• daily weather forecasts

• individual weather events

• short-term weather changes

Answer explanation

Scientists define a region's climate by analyzing temperature patterns over time, as this provides a long-term view of climate trends, unlike daily forecasts or individual weather events which focus on short-term changes.

What does the chart of Orlando, Florida show about temperature and precipitation?

• The chart shows the average temperature and total precipitation for each month.

• The chart shows the highest and lowest temperatures recorded in a year.

• The chart shows the daily temperature and precipitation levels.

• The chart shows the temperature and precipitation compared to other cities.

Answer explanation

The correct choice indicates that the chart provides average monthly temperature and total precipitation data, which is essential for understanding climate patterns in Orlando, Florida.

​ (a)   can change day to day or even hour to hour. ​ (b)   is the long-term conditions of an area.

• Weather

• Climate

Answer explanation

Weather refers to short-term atmospheric conditions that can change frequently, while climate describes the long-term average conditions of an area. Therefore, the correct answers are Weather and Climate.

Measuring air temperature tells how hot or cold a place is.

• True
• False

Climate describes the average weather patterns.

• True
• False

Weather changes minute to minute, hour to hour and day to day.

• True
• False

Clouds are water vapor floating in the air.

• True
• False