The concept of climate

The concept of climate

Climate is an average weather condition of a place observed and recorded over a long period of time, normally 30 years or more.

Climate is based on elements that are recorded every year. Weather has several elements such as

1. temperature
2. rainfall
3. sunshine
4. wind
5. humidity
6. cloud cover
7. atmospheric pressure

The average of each element is calculated and then divided by the years in which those records were taken. The value obtained is used to describe the climate of the area. Climate is closely related to weather because weather is the atmospheric condition of a place observed and recorded over a short period of time, for example hourly, daily, weekly or monthly. Thus, any change of weather condition over a long period of time causes climate change in a particular area.

Different places on the earth's surface experience different temperature and rainfall. This situation leads to the presence of different climates in different areas. Also, there are areas with similar climatic conditions although they are in different geographical locations. All places on the earth's surface with similar temperature, humidity, sunshine and rainfall have similar natural vegetation. Similarly, places with similar climate normally have similar economic activities. For example, areas near the Equator usually experience higher temperatures throughout the year than those away from the Equator.

Areas near the poles, both, North and South normally experience cool temperatures almost throughout the year. This situation leads to variations of climatic conditions in different places. Such places, with different climatic conditions are called climate zones.