Weather vs Climate
What is the main difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term (day-to-day) while climate is long-term (30+ years).
How many main parts make up Earth’s climate system?
4
What is the daily average temperature?
The average of the day’s high and low.
What does “climate change” mean?
Long-term changes in weather patterns.
What gas makes up most of the air we breathe?
Nitrogen.
If today’s high is 72°F, what is that an example of? (weather/climate)
Weather.
What is the atmosphere made of?
Gases that surround Earth.
How do you find the yearly average temperature?
Average all 12 monthly averages.
What do we call things that affect climate?
Forcing mechanisms.
What is the second most common gas in the atmosphere?
Oxygen.
“The average high temperature for August is 82°F.” What is that describing? (weather/climate)
Climate
What does the hydrosphere include?
All water on Earth—oceans, lakes, rivers, clouds, and ice.
What is the difference between the warmest and coldest month called?
Yearly temperature range.
What are the two types of forcing mechanisms?
Internal and external.
Bonus! What gas do plants need to make food? (hint: think about the gas we let out and what plants let in)
Carbon dioxide.
Name one element measured to describe weather.
Temperature, precipitation, or cloud cover
What is the lithosphere?
The solid part of Earth: rocks, soil, and landforms.
What is the difference between a day’s high and low temperature called?
Daily temperature range.
Give one example of an internal forcing mechanism.
Ocean changes (like El Niño) or biological changes.
What is the thin layer of gases around Earth called?
The atmosphere.
Over how many years must patterns be observed to describe climate?
30 or more years.
What is the biosphere?
All living things on Earth.
What two numbers do you need to find the daily temperature range
The highest and lowest temperatures of the day.
Give one example of an external forcing mechanism.
Volcanic eruptions, Earth’s orbit changes, or human activity.
About what percent of Earth’s air is nitrogen?
About 78%.