Final answer:
The average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time is described as 1. 'climate.' It is studied by climatologists and differentiated from weather, which refers to short-term atmospheric conditions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the average weather conditions in an area over a long period of time is 1. climate. Climate is characterized by consistent seasonal temperature and precipitation patterns over many years, whereas weather refers to the short-term conditions of the atmosphere. Climatologists study these long-term patterns, using them to understand better and predict future climatic changes.
The Köppen-Geiger classification system helps to categorize different climate types with categories like A, B, C, D, E, and H. Understanding climate is crucial for various aspects of life, including agriculture and event planning, as climate indicates the usual range of conditions to expect in a region, compared to weather which is what actually happens on a day-to-day basis.