sci climate

Climate

Average weather conditions in a region over a long period of time (typically 30 years or more).

Weather

Short-term atmospheric conditions in a particular area, such as rain or sunshine on a given day.

Temperature

A measure of how hot or cold something is, one of the key elements of climate.

Humidity

The amount of moisture in the air, affecting comfort levels and climate.

Precipitation

Any form of water, liquid or solid, that falls from clouds and reaches the ground, includes rain, snow, and hail.

Air Pressure

The weight of the air above us, affecting weather patterns and climate.

Wind

Air in motion relative to the surface of the Earth, influencing climate and weather.

Cloud Cover

The extent to which clouds cover the sky; affects temperature and precipitation patterns.

Tropical Monsoon Climate

A type of climate characterized by hot, humid summers and heavy rainfall from June to November.

Latitude

The distance north or south of the equator, influencing the amount of sunlight received and thus climate.

Altitude

Elevation above sea level, where higher altitudes typically result in lower temperatures.

Distance from the Sea

How far a location is from the ocean, influencing temperature stability and rainfall patterns.

Ocean Currents

Large scale movements of water in the ocean that can affect climate by warming or cooling coastal areas.

Wind Systems

Patterns of winds that circulate in the atmosphere, distributing heat and moisture across the globe.

Topography

The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area, affecting climate through mountains and valleys.

Climographs

Graphs that display temperature and precipitation data for specific regions over time.

El Niño

A climate pattern characterized by warmer ocean temperatures in the Pacific, often leading to dry weather in the Philippines.

La Niña

A climate pattern associated with cooler ocean temperatures in the Pacific, which can lead to increased rainfall in certain regions.

ENSO

El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a periodic variation in ocean temperatures and currents in the Pacific Ocean affecting global weather patterns.

Greenhouse Gases

Gases such as CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O that trap heat in the atmosphere and contribute to global warming.

Global Warming

The long-term rise in Earth's average surface temperature due to human activities, particularly the emission of greenhouse gases.

Climate Change

Significant changes in global temperatures and weather patterns over time, often attributed to human activities.

Urban Heat Islands

Urban areas that experience higher temperatures than their rural surroundings, caused by human activities and structures.

Intense Typhoons

Severe tropical storms that can cause significant damage, becoming more frequent due to climate change.

Sea Level Rise

An increase in the level of the world’s oceans due to the melting of ice caps and glaciers, contributing to coastal flooding.

Flooding

An overflow of water onto normally dry land, often exacerbated by climate change and extreme weather.

Droughts

Prolonged periods of abnormally low rainfall, resulting in water scarcity and impacted agriculture.

Mitigation Strategies

Actions taken to reduce or prevent the emission of greenhouse gases in order to lessen the effects of climate change.

Adaptation Strategies

Approaches that communities can use to manage and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Rain Shadow Effect

A phenomenon where one side of a mountain range receives more rain while the other side remains dry.

Low Pressure

A weather system that occurs when warm air rises and creates an area of lower atmospheric pressure.

High Pressure

A weather system that occurs when cold air sinks and creates an area of higher atmospheric pressure.

Warm Currents

Ocean currents that carry warm water from the tropics towards cooler areas, influencing coastal climates.

Cold Currents

Ocean currents that carry cool water from polar regions towards warmer areas, impacting climate and weather.

Air Masses

Large bodies of air with uniform temperature and humidity, which affect weather patterns when they move.

Climate Zones

Categories of climate determined by temperature, precipitation, and other factors.

Microclimates

Localized climates that differ from the surrounding area, often due to specific terrain or human activity.

Natural Greenhouse Effect

A natural process where certain gases trap heat in the atmosphere, essential for life on Earth.

Enhanced Greenhouse Effect

The increased amount of greenhouse gases due to human activity, leading to accelerated global warming.

PAGASA

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, responsible for monitoring weather patterns.