Weather and Climate | Jamb(UTME) Geography

Weather

1. Weather - The short-term atmospheric conditions at a specific location, including temperature, humidity, precipitation, cloud cover, and wind.
2. Short-Term Phenomenon - Weather can change rapidly, from minutes to days, influenced by local conditions.
3. Weather Systems - Includes systems like cyclones, anticyclones, and weather fronts that affect daily weather.
4. Local Weather - Weather patterns that occur in a specific area, such as urban or rural areas, and are influenced by local geographical features.
5. Temperature - One of the key components of weather, affecting comfort, health, and energy use.
6. Precipitation - Includes rainfall, snow, hail, and sleet, which are key weather phenomena.
7. Humidity - The amount of moisture in the air, influencing weather patterns such as cloud formation and precipitation.
8. Cloud Cover - Describes the amount and type of cloud cover, which affects sunlight and weather conditions.
9. Wind - Movement of air from areas of high pressure to low pressure, affecting weather systems and temperatures.
10. Barometric Pressure - Atmospheric pressure that influences weather patterns, such as the formation of storms.
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Climate

11. Climate - The long-term average of weather patterns in a particular area, observed over a period of 30 years or more.
12. Long-Term Pattern - Climate refers to the long-term, predictable conditions like temperature and rainfall, unlike the daily variations of weather.
13. Global Climate - The overall patterns of temperature, precipitation, and seasonal changes across the globe.
14. Microclimate - Local atmospheric conditions that differ from the surrounding region, often influenced by factors like urban development.
15. Climate Zones - Different regions of the world with distinct weather and temperature patterns, such as tropical, temperate, and polar zones.
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Concept of Weather and Climate

16. Weather vs. Climate - Weather is short-term, whereas climate refers to the long-term atmospheric patterns in a region.
17. Immediate vs. Average Conditions - Weather focuses on immediate conditions, while climate refers to averages over long periods.
18. Dynamic Nature of Weather - Weather conditions are more volatile and variable than climate, changing rapidly due to external factors.
19. Predictability - Weather forecasts provide short-term predictions, while climate is based on statistical averages.
20. Climate Change - The long-term alteration of temperature and typical weather patterns, often caused by human activity.
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Elements of Weather and Climate

21. Temperature - The degree of heat in the atmosphere, influencing other weather elements like precipitation and evaporation.
22. Precipitation - Any form of water that falls from the sky, including rain, snow, sleet, and hail.
23. Humidity - The amount of water vapor in the air, influencing comfort, precipitation, and cloud formation.
24. Wind - Air movement that affects temperature distribution and precipitation.
25. Pressure - The weight of the air above, influencing wind patterns, storm systems, and climate conditions.
26. Clouds - Visible collections of water vapor or ice crystals that affect weather patterns and temperature.
27. Solar Radiation - Energy from the sun that heats the Earth’s surface and drives weather and climate systems.
28. Evaporation - The process by which water is converted from liquid to vapor, contributing to humidity and cloud formation.
29. Condensation - The conversion of water vapor into liquid, forming clouds and precipitation.
30. Radiation Balance - The equilibrium between the energy the Earth receives from the Sun and the energy it radiates back into space.
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Factors Controlling Weather and Climate

31. Air Pressure - The force exerted by the weight of air on a given area, influencing weather patterns.
32. Air Mass - A large body of air with uniform temperature and humidity characteristics that affect weather.
33. Altitude - Higher elevations experience cooler temperatures, influencing climate and weather.
34. Continentality - The difference in temperature between the land and ocean, with land heating and cooling more rapidly than water, affecting climate.
35. Winds - Winds transfer heat and moisture around the Earth, impacting both weather and climate.
36. Ocean Currents - The movement of ocean water that regulates climate by transferring heat across the globe.
37. Latitude - The distance from the equator, influencing temperature and weather patterns due to varying solar radiation.
38. Proximity to Water Bodies - Large water bodies moderate temperature extremes, influencing regional climate conditions.
39. Topography - The physical features of the land, such as mountains, which can create microclimates or affect precipitation.
40. Solar Energy - Variations in solar radiation from the Sun contribute to both short-term weather patterns and long-term climate trends.
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Classification of Climate

41. Greek Classification - The ancient classification of climates based on the geographical region, dividing the world into three climatic zones: torrid, temperate, and frigid.
42. Köppen Climate Classification - A widely used system for classifying the world's climates based on temperature and precipitation patterns.
43. Torrid Zone - The warmest climate zone, located between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, with high temperatures year-round.
44. Temperate Zone - The moderate climate zone between the tropics and the polar regions, characterized by distinct seasons.
45. Frigid Zone - The coldest climate zone, located near the poles, with long, harsh winters and short summers.
46. Subtropical Climate - A climate zone characterized by hot summers and mild winters, often found on the edges of the tropics.
47. Polar Climate - Extremely cold climates found at the poles, with long, dark winters and short, cool summers.
48. Arid Climate - A climate with very low precipitation, typically associated with deserts.
49. Humid Tropical Climate - A climate found near the equator, characterized by high temperatures and significant rainfall year-round.
50. Continental Climate - A climate with large seasonal temperature variations, typical of the interior of continents.
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Major Climate Types (Köppen)

51. Tropical Climates (A) - Hot and humid year-round, with heavy rainfall, such as the Amazon Basin.
52. Arid Climates (B) - Dry climates with little rainfall, such as deserts like the Sahara and Arabian Desert.
53. Temperate Climates (C) - Moderate climates with mild winters and warm summers, like parts of Europe and the Mediterranean.
54. Continental Climates (D) - Climates with cold winters and warm summers, such as in parts of North America and Russia.
55. Polar Climates (E) - Extremely cold climates with long winters and short summers, such as in the Arctic and Antarctic regions.
56. Subtropical Climates (Csa, Csb) - Characterized by hot summers and mild winters, found in areas like southern California and the Mediterranean.
57. Mountain Climate (H) - Found in mountainous regions, with significant temperature and precipitation variations based on elevation.
58. Monsoon Climate (Am) - A tropical climate with a pronounced wet season caused by monsoon winds, found in parts of Asia.
59. Oceanic Climate (Cfb, Cfc) - Moderate climates with cool summers and mild winters, found on the west coasts of continents like northern Europe.
60. Mediterranean Climate (Csa, Csb) - Characterized by hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters, typical of regions like southern California and the Mediterranean Basin.
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Characteristics and Distribution of Climate Types

61. Tropical Rainforest Climate - Found near the equator, with year-round high temperatures and rainfall.
62. Desert Climate - Characterized by low precipitation and large temperature fluctuations, found in regions like the Sahara and the Atacama.
63. Savanna Climate - Transitional climate with a wet season and a dry season, found in regions like parts of Africa.
64. Temperate Maritime Climate - Found along coastal regions, with moderate temperatures and consistent precipitation, typical in parts of the UK and New Zealand.
65. Continental Climate - Marked by large temperature differences between summer and winter, found in places like central Russia and Canada.
66. Tundra Climate - Cold, dry climate found in the Arctic and high mountain tops, with permafrost and short growing seasons.
67. Subarctic Climate - Cold winters and short, cool summers, found in northern regions like Siberia and parts of Canada.
68. Monsoon Climate - Characterized by a strong seasonal shift in rainfall, commonly found in South and Southeast Asia.
69. Mediterranean Climate - Mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, typical in areas like southern Europe, California, and parts of Australia.
70. Oceanic Climate - Found in regions like the Pacific Northwest, with cool summers, mild winters, and consistent rainfall.
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Measuring and Recording Weather

71. Weather Observation - The collection of data on weather elements such as temperature, humidity, wind speed, and precipitation.
72. Meteorological Stations - Locations equipped with instruments to monitor and record weather data.
73. Weather Forecasting - The process of predicting future weather conditions based on data analysis from meteorological stations and satellites.
74. Weather Satellites - Space-based instruments that provide real-time images and data of the Earth’s atmosphere and weather systems.
75. Radiosondes - Instruments attached to weather balloons that measure temperature, humidity, and pressure at different altitudes.
76. Weather Radar - A system used to detect precipitation, such as rain or snow, and monitor storm development.
77. Barometer - An instrument used to measure atmospheric pressure.
78. Thermometer - A tool used to measure air temperature.
79. Anemometer - An instrument that measures wind speed.
80. Hygrometer - A device used to measure humidity in the air.
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Parameters and Instruments Used in Measuring Climate Elements

81. Temperature - Measured using thermometers or electronic sensors in both air and water.
82. Pressure - Measured by barometers, indicating the weight of the air column above.
83. Humidity - Measured using hygrometers, indicating the moisture content in the air.
84. Precipitation - Measured by rain gauges or other instruments to assess the amount of water falling.
85. Wind Speed - Measured using anemometers to determine the velocity of air movement.
86. Wind Direction - Measured using wind vanes or weather vanes to indicate the direction from which the wind is blowing.
87. Cloud Coverage - Estimated by meteorologists using satellite imagery or observations from the ground.
88. Sunshine Duration - Measured using sunshine recorders or pyranometers to determine the amount of solar radiation reaching the ground.
89. Evaporation - Measured by evaporation pans or weather stations to assess the amount of water lost to the atmosphere.
90. Radiation - Measured using radiometers to determine the amount of solar energy reaching the Earth’s surface.
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Differentiate Between Weather and Climate

91. Weather is Short-Term - Weather refers to the immediate atmospheric conditions, changing within hours or days.
92. Climate is Long-Term - Climate represents the average weather conditions over a longer period, typically 30 years or more.
93. Dynamic vs. Statistical - Weather is dynamic and changes rapidly, while climate is statistical and based on long-term patterns.
94. Localized vs. Global - Weather is highly localized, while climate refers to broader, regional or global patterns.
95. Predictability - Weather can be forecasted in the short term, while climate is understood through long-term data and trends.
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Identify the Elements of Weather and Climate

96. Temperature - The degree of heat in the atmosphere, affecting comfort and weather conditions.
97. Humidity - The amount of moisture in the air, which influences precipitation and cloud formation.
98. Precipitation - Any form of water falling from the atmosphere, such as rain, snow, and hail.
99. Pressure - The weight of the air in the atmosphere, influencing wind and weather systems.
100. Wind - The movement of air driven by pressure differences, affecting weather patterns.
101. Cloud Cover - The amount and type of clouds in the sky, influencing sunlight and precipitation.
102. Sunlight - The amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth's surface, which influences temperature and weather.
103. Evaporation - The process by which water changes from liquid to gas, contributing to humidity and precipitation.
104. Condensation - The process by which water vapor becomes liquid, forming clouds and precipitation.
105. Radiation - The energy received from the sun that drives weather and climate systems.
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Identify the Factors Controlling Weather and Climate

106. Pressure Systems - High and low-pressure systems control weather patterns, such as winds, clouds, and precipitation.
107. Air Masses - Large bodies of air with uniform characteristics of temperature and humidity, influencing local weather.
108. Altitude - Higher altitudes typically experience cooler temperatures, affecting local climate.
109. Latitude - The distance from the equator, influencing the amount of solar radiation received and the overall climate.
110. Continentality - The proximity to large bodies of water, affecting temperature extremes and seasonal variations.
111. Ocean Currents - Warm or cold ocean currents influence coastal weather and temperatures.
112. Topography - Mountains, valleys, and other physical features influence rainfall, temperature, and wind patterns.
113. Wind Patterns - The movement of air driven by pressure differences, influencing weather and climate globally.
114. Solar Radiation - The amount of energy received from the Sun, driving temperature and climate systems.
115. Vegetation - Plant cover can influence local climate by affecting moisture, temperature, and air movement.
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Compare Koppen’s and Greek’s Classifications

116. Greek Classification - Divides the world into three climate zones: torrid, temperate, and frigid.
117. Koppen Classification - Classifies climate based on temperature and precipitation patterns, with five major climate types.
118. Simplicity of Greek Classification - Greek classification is based on broad temperature zones, while Koppen’s is more detailed with subcategories.
119. Regional vs. Global Scope - The Greek system is based on regional temperature zones, while the Koppen system accounts for precipitation as well.
120. Koppen’s Detailed Approach - The Koppen classification is more precise and widely used, offering better differentiation between types of climate.
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The Basic Science of Climate Change

121. Climate Change - Long-term changes in temperature, precipitation, and other climate patterns, often linked to human activities.
122. Greenhouse Effect - The trapping of heat in the Earth’s atmosphere by greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, leading to global warming.
123. Fossil Fuels - The burning of fossil fuels for energy releases carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to climate change.
124. Deforestation - The removal of forests reduces the Earth's ability to absorb carbon dioxide, exacerbating climate change.
125. Global Warming - The increase in Earth's average temperature due to human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.
126. Carbon Footprint - The amount of carbon dioxide emissions generated by human activities, contributing to climate change.
127. Melting Ice Caps - Rising global temperatures lead to the melting of polar ice caps, contributing to sea-level rise.
128. Ocean Acidification - The absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the oceans, making them more acidic and impacting marine life.
129. Extreme Weather Events - Increased frequency and intensity of storms, floods, droughts, and heatwaves are linked to climate change.
130. Mitigation and Adaptation - Efforts to reduce the impact of climate change (mitigation) and adjust to its effects (adaptation).

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