Which of the following best describes 'Climate'?

Prepare for the GACE Middle Grades Science Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The description of climate as a long-term average of temperature and precipitation accurately captures its essence. Climate refers to the typical atmospheric conditions observed over extended periods, typically 30 years or more, in a specific region. By focusing on averages, it encompasses variations in weather patterns, including temperature and precipitation, and highlights trends that can be observed over time.

In contrast, daily weather patterns emphasize short-term fluctuations, which do not adequately represent the broader, long-term trends that define climate. Immediate weather conditions also pertain to short-lived events and are not indicative of climate. Seasonal changes in weather indicate periodic shifts but do not encompass the overall average conditions necessary to define climate comprehensively. Hence, the most accurate characterization of climate is its long-term averages of temperature and precipitation.

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