Climate
Climate (KLY-mit)
Climate (pronounced: /ˈklaɪ.mɪt/) is a term used in meteorology to describe the long-term weather patterns in a specific area or region of the world. The word 'climate' originates from the Greek word 'klima', meaning inclination, referring to the slope or tilt of the Earth's axis, which influences the climate of a region.
Definition
Climate is defined as the average weather conditions in a place over a long period of time—usually 30 years or more. It includes patterns of temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind and seasons. These patterns play a fundamental role in shaping natural ecosystems, and the human economies and cultures that depend on them.
Types of Climate
There are several different types of climate, including:
- Tropical: This climate is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year and significant amounts of rainfall. Examples include the Amazon rainforest and the Caribbean.
- Temperate: This climate experiences moderate temperatures with distinct seasons – winter, spring, summer, and autumn. Examples include much of the United States and Europe.
- Polar: This climate is characterized by extremely cold temperatures and little precipitation. Examples include Antarctica and the Arctic.
- Desert: This climate is characterized by low rainfall and high temperatures. Examples include the Sahara and the Arabian Desert.
Climate vs Weather
While the terms 'climate' and 'weather' are often used interchangeably, they refer to different concepts. Weather describes the short-term conditions of the atmosphere, while climate is the average of those conditions over longer time periods.
Climate Change
Climate change refers to significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time. It is a major concern in the field of environmental science, as it can have profound impacts on ecosystems and human societies.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Climate
- Wikipedia's article - Climate
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