Which term describes the average weather of a location over many years?

Which term describes the average weather of a location over many years?

• A. Weather
• B. Climate
• C. Temperature
• D. Precipitation

Answer: (B)

Long-term patterns in the atmosphere are described by climate. Climate is the average weather of a location over many years, built from data on temperature, precipitation, and other conditions averaged over decades. This smooths out daily swings and reveals what is typical for that place. Weather is the day-to-day state of the atmosphere, so it varies from moment to moment, and temperature or precipitation are specific elements of weather (and climate) rather than the overall long-term average. Hence, climate is the correct term.

Long-term patterns in the atmosphere are described by climate. Climate is the average weather of a location over many years, built from data on temperature, precipitation, and other conditions averaged over decades. This smooths out daily swings and reveals what is typical for that place. Weather is the day-to-day state of the atmosphere, so it varies from moment to moment, and temperature or precipitation are specific elements of weather (and climate) rather than the overall long-term average. Hence, climate is the correct term.