CLIMATE DETAILS

 What is climate ?

While the weather changes every day and a hot and humid day can be followed by a rainy one, the climate of a region remains the same for a long time. Thus, the summer season at the north sea is generally cooler than in Freiburg and the winter season is rather cold and damp and not as snowy as in the alps. The climate is driven by the sun, which heats up the air and gives rise to winds such as the trade wind. The ocean and the ocean currents also affect world climate, an instance of which can be seen in the way things turn topsy-turvy due to occurrence 'El Nino'. The climate also undergoes long term changes-the last ice age is a good example of this.

How the weather change ?

Unlike climate, weather depends on the seasons and can also change anytime. Meteorologist predict in the evening how the weather will be the next day. The weather is driven by the sun, which heats up the ground and the water surfaces. Evaporated water creates clouds from which thunderstorm build up, and the ensuing bursts of thunder and lightning make us flinch. Every time a cyclone hits the tropical regions, lashing rain sends  people running for cover.

Where does the rain comes from?

Water evaporates when the sun shines on oceans, seas, or wet grounds or when wind blows over them. The water vapour rises up and get converted again into tiny droplets from clouds which are carried here and there by the wind. If they rise further such as on a high mountain crest, they become colder and turn into large raindrops, small ice crystal and hailstones. These are heavy and fall to the ground as rain, and water seeps into the ground. This water return to the sea as ground water, rivers and streams. This cyclical process known as 'water cycle'.