Final answer:
Climate is the average weather conditions of a region over a long period, characterized by consistent temperature and rainfall, unlike weather which refers to short-term atmospheric conditions. Climate types are categorized through the Köppen-Geiger classification system. To detect climate change, one looks for long-term patterns rather than short-term variations.
Step-by-step explanation:
Climate refers to the long-term, predictable atmospheric conditions of a specific area. Unlike weather, which describes atmospheric conditions over short periods, the climate is characterized by consistent seasonal temperature and rainfall ranges. Weather, on the other hand, includes the day-to-day atmospheric conditions and can fluctuate dramatically, making it less reliable for long-term predictions. Weather forecasts are typically made for 48-hour cycles, while climate patterns are assessed over extended periods of time.
The Köppen-Geiger classification system categorizes various climate types into six basic types – A, B, C, D, E, and H. In this system, type H climates are a subset of the type E climate category. The main elements that define a region's climate are temperature and precipitation. This statistical summary of the weather includes factors such as humidity, atmospheric pressure, and wind, which together shape the nature of biomes and the diversity of life within them.
To evaluate whether there has been a change in climate over the past century, one must look for consistent patterns over successive years as opposed to random variations that can occur annually. Changes in the average temperature, shifts in precipitation patterns, or altered season lengths can be indicators of climate change.