Weather

Definition

Weather describes the short-term atmospheric conditions in a specific place at a specific time. It includes temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind, and visibility.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Weather changes can affect local ecosystems and the distribution of species.
2. Extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts, are becoming more frequent due to global climate change.
3. Weather patterns are influenced by factors like latitude, altitude, and proximity to water bodies.
4. The study of weather is called meteorology.
5. Short-term weather patterns can have lasting effects on the biosphere, altering habitats and food availability.

Review Questions

• How do changes in weather influence local ecosystems?
• What are some factors that determine weather patterns in a region?
• Why is the study of weather important for understanding ecological dynamics?

Related terms

Climate:

Climate refers to the long-term average of weather conditions and patterns over a significant period.

Global Climate Change: Global climate change involves long-term changes in temperature and typical weather patterns on Earth due to various factors including human activities.

Ecosystem: An ecosystem is a community of living organisms interacting with their physical environment.