<P> There is often confusion between weather and climate . Weather is the condition of the atmosphere at a particular place over a short period of time, whereas climate refers to the weather pattern, using statistical data, of a place over a long enough period to yield meaningful averages . </P> <P> Meteorology studies weather, while climatology studies climate; both are atmospheric sciences . Climate is an important physical element because it indicates the atmospheric condition of heat, moisture and circulation; it plays a dominant role in shaping vegetation and soil; and it ultimately affects all forms of life, as a result of the very definition of the word, which is a scientific prediction, based on evidentiary statistics, sustained over a long period . </P> <P> There are many elements that make up both the weather and the climate of a geographical location . The most significant of these elements are temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, solar energy, humidity, precipitation, and topography . The greatest influence of climatic change is associated with not only natural, but also artificial factors, which can be measured in terms of both short - term and long - term climate change . </P> <P> The most important factors affecting climate are latitude, altitude, distance to the ocean or sea, orientation of mountain ranges toward prevailing winds, and the ocean current . </P>

What are the elements of climate and weather
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