dragn
Joined: 17 Feb 2009
Posts: 450
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 Posted: Wed Apr 15, 2009 11:46 pm Post subject: |
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Who knows what would have happened if the earth's ______ had not changed?
A. weather B. climate
I think B is a better choice? Am I right? |
This one is tougher than it looks. You could probably argue a reasonably good case for both...so I will.
First of all, climate normally refers to the average weather conditions and patterns in a particular region during a particular time frame (according to what I've read, about 30 years). Weather refers to current or short-term atmospheric conditions, often in a more localized area. This would help explain why people say "How's the weather today?" and not "How's the climate today?"
Supporters of (A) weather might argue thusly:
Climate refers to the average overall weather of a particular region, which is not the case here. We're talking about the whole world, not any one region. Plus, there's no emphasis on the long-term average over any time period. So, it's fine to use weather here.
And supporters of (B) climate might counter thusly:
Yeah, sez you.  Obviously, the "region" here is the whole earth. What's wrong with that? And obviously the emphasis is on overall, average conditions over time. Not like today. Besides, you don't hear scientists talking about global warming and weather change do you? Nooo...it's climate change.
Pick a side...and let the games begin.
Greg |
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