CLIMATE TERMS — Time scale of atmospheric variability What do we call the short-term variations of the atmosphere, typically ranging from minutes to months (as opposed to long-term averages)?

Introduction / Context:
Everyday atmospheric conditions change rapidly, whereas climate describes their long-term statistical behavior. Distinguishing the two is foundational in environmental science.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Time scale: minutes to months → short term.
• Phenomena: storms, fronts, daily temperature, and precipitation swings.
• We seek the standard term for instantaneous/short-period states.

Concept / Approach:
“Weather” denotes the state of the atmosphere at a specific time and place (or over brief periods). “Climate” is the average weather and its variability over decades (often 30 years).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Match the defined time scale (minutes to months) to the term “weather.”Exclude “climate,” which requires multi-decadal averaging.Recognize that “temperature” and “humidity” are components of weather, not the overarching term.

Verification / Alternative check:
Meteorological services issue weather forecasts for hours to days, seasonal outlooks bridge toward climate but remain short of climatological normals.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Climate — long-term statistics, not short-term variability.Temperature/Humidity — single variables, not the system state.Seasonality — recurring annual patterns, still part of climate characterization.

Common Pitfalls:
Using a single hot day to argue climate change; climate concerns trends over decades, not weather noise.

Final Answer:
weather