What term is used to describe the state of the atmosphere at any given time and place?

Prepare for the DIVE Earth Science Quarterly Exam 1. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that describes the state of the atmosphere at any given time and place is "weather." Weather encompasses the current conditions including temperature, humidity, precipitation, wind speed and direction, and visibility. It reflects short-term atmospheric phenomena and can change rapidly from day to day or even hour to hour.

On the other hand, climate refers to the long-term average of weather conditions over an extended period, typically 30 years or more, for a specific region. While the atmosphere refers to the layers of gases surrounding the Earth, it does not specifically denote the conditions at a certain time and place. Humidity, meanwhile, is a specific measure of the amount of water vapor present in the air, which is just one component of the overall weather conditions. Therefore, "weather" accurately captures the dynamic and immediate state of the atmosphere.

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