Climate Vs. Weather
What is the main difference between weather and climate?
Weather is short-term atmospheric conditions, while climate is the long-term pattern of weather in a region.
Which factor has the biggest effect on a location’s climate?
(A) Wind speed (B) Latitude
(C) Cloud cover (D) Air pressure
(B) Latitude
What are the three major climate zones?
Tropical, Temperate, and Polar.
What adaptation helps camels survive in the desert?
Storing water in their humps.
What type of data do scientists use to study climate trends?
Average temperature and precipitation over a specific period of time (30 years)
Give an example of a weather event and a climate pattern.
A thunderstorm occurring today is weather, while Florida having hot, humid summers is climate.
How does elevation affect climate?
Higher elevations have colder temperatures due to thinner air.
Which climate zone is known for having hot and humid conditions?
Tropical.
How do polar bears stay warm in the tundra?
Thick fur and a layer of fat (blubber).
Why is precipitation important to track over time?
It helps predict droughts, floods, and climate patterns.
Why do scientists study climate trends instead of daily weather?
Climate trends help predict long-term changes, while daily weather is unpredictable.
Why do cities near oceans have milder temperatures?
Water heats and cools slowly, keeping temperatures more stable.
Describe a key characteristic of temperate climate zones.
They experience four distinct seasons.
Why do rainforest plants have large leaves?
To capture more sunlight in the dense forest.
How do line graphs help visualize climate trends?
They show changes in precipitation and temperature over time.
Explain the phrase, "Weather is what you get, climate is what you expect."
Weather can change daily, but climate is the usual pattern over time.
If two cities have the same latitude but different elevations, how will their climates differ?
The city at a higher elevation will be cooler.
Which climate zone is found near the poles and experiences cold temperatures year-round?
Polar.
How does an animal’s environment affect its physical adaptations?
Animals develop traits that help them survive in their specific climate
In a avg. temperature graph, which year had the highest rainfall in Suffolk County?
2020.
How do temperature and precipitation trends help scientists analyze climate change?
They show patterns over time, indicating shifts in climate, such as global warming.
Name three climate factors and explain how they impact a region’s weather.
Latitude (temperature differences), elevation (cooler air at higher altitudes), proximity to water (moderates temperatures).
Compare and contrast tropical and polar climates.
Tropical is warm and wet year-round, while polar is cold and dry year-round.
Name an adaptation of a desert animal and a tundra animal and explain how each helps them survive.
Cacti store water in their stem for dry conditions; Whale bears have blubber to stay warm in freezing climates.
What conclusion can be drawn about average temperature trends between 2010 and 2020?
There was a slight increase in overall temperature over time.