CLIMATE

The sum total of the meteorological elements that characterize the average and extreme conditions of the atmosphere over a long period of time at any one place or region of the earth's surface. The collective state of the atmosphere at a given place or over a given area within a specified period of time. Compare to Weather. Basic types of climates include: (1) Continental: The climate characteristic of land areas separated from the moderating influences of oceans by distance, direction, or mountain barriers and marked by relatively large daily and seasonal fluctuations in temperature; (2) Oceanic: The climate characteristic of land lares near oceans which contribute to the humidity and at the same time have a moderating influence on temperature and the range of temperature variation.