At sea level, the atmosphere exerts approximately 15 lb/in 2 (about 1 kg/cm 2) of pressure. For example, air subjects everything to considerable pressure. For the most part, weather variables are measured and recorded by instruments. Most of the weather elements on which weather forecasting is based cannot be seen directly, they can only be observed by the effects they create. Chaos theories are used to study weather-related complex systems in which, out of seemingly random, disordered processes, there arise new processes that are more predictable. The study of meteorological phenomena related to both weather and climate changes is an important component in the development of chaos theory. The concern to reduce the impact of weather on public health and property provides an important motivation for the continued efforts by meteorologists and scientists to improve weather forecasting. In addition, shorter but intense events such as hurricanes, tornadoes, winter blizzards, freezing rain, and floods also produce often-dramatic effects on both the social and geologic landscape. The impact of weather is most pronounced during the occurrence of extreme weather situations, such as prolonged periods of heat, cold, rain, drought, and smog conditions. The effects of weather also contribute in shaping Earth's surface features. Hot, dry climates often have intense mechanical weathering pressures (e.g., wind, sand-blasting, etc). Cold, dry climates feature the least weathering but mechanical weathering (e.g., ice wedging) does produce slow landscape evolution. Cold, moist climates still feature chemical weathering but because of the lower temperature, the rates are dramatically reduced from those encountered in hot, moist climates. Hot, moist climates feature high rainfall with often intense and rapid chemical weathering. Although there are thousands of microclimate variations, climates can essentially be broken down into four basic types.
In contrast, climate refers to long-term, cyclic or seasonal patterns of temperature, precipitation, winds, etc.Ĭlimates are often defined in terms of area, latitude, altitude, or other geophysical features. It is described by a number of meteorological phenomena that include atmospheric pressure, wind speed and direction, temperature, humidity, sunshine, cloudiness, and precipitation.
Weather refers to the atmospheric conditions at a certain time or over a certain short period in a given area.
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