Understanding What Climate Is
Climate is the long-term pattern of temperature, rainfall, wind, and other weather conditions in a region. It describes what the weather is usually like over decades.
Climate vs. Weather
Weather changes daily, while climate shows long-term trends. For example, a rainy day is weather, but a rainforest’s year-round rainfall is climate.
What Shapes Climate
Climate depends on latitude, altitude, ocean currents, winds, and distance from large bodies of water. These factors determine how warm or wet a region is.
Major Climate Zones
Tropical: Warm and wet.
Temperate: Mild seasons.
Polar: Very cold.
Arid: Dry deserts.
Mediterranean: Warm summers, mild winters.
Why Climate Matters
Climate determines what plants and animals can live in a region. It affects farming, water availability, natural hazards, and human lifestyles.
How Scientists Study Climate
They use long-term data from weather stations, satellites, ice cores, and tree rings to understand patterns and changes over time.
The Simple Takeaway
Climate is the long-term pattern of weather in a region. It shapes ecosystems, affects human life, and helps explain how our planet functions.