1. EL NIÑO Warm ocean current that develops off the western coast of South America that causes short term climate change around the world, including more snow and rain in Utah.

2. ICE AGE Period of extensive glacial coverage, leading to long term climate change.

3. GREEN HOUSE EFFECT Natural heating of Earth’s atmosphere by gases that absorb and retain infrared radiation (heat) from Da Sun.

4. GLOBAL WARMING Rise in global temperatures caused by increases in carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from deforestation and burning of fossil fuels.

5. CLIMATOLOGY The study of Earth’s climate and the factors that affect climate change.

6. CLIMATE The average weather of an area over a long period of time, or the long term weather patterns of an area.

7. TROPICS Areas of the Earth around the equator. In the tropics, the Sun’s rays hit most directly and the temperature is warm year round.

8. TEMPERATE ZONE The middle latitudes of the Earth. In the temperate zone, temperatures are moderate but subject to seasonal change. Climate has seasons.

9. POLAR ZONE Areas of the Earth around the poles. In the polar zone, Da Sun’s rays strike at a low angle so temperatures are nearly always cold.

10. KOEPPEN CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM Divides climates into six basic types, based on mean monthly temperature, precipitation, and types of vegetation.

11. MICROCLIMATE Local climate that differs from the surrounding region.

12. HEAT ISLAND Urban (city) area where the climate is warmer than the surrounding countryside because of concrete buildings and asphalt.

13. SEASON Short term change in climate caused by tilt of the Earth’s axis which leads to changes in temperature and hours of daylight.

14. MAUNDER MINIMUM Period of very low sunspot activity in the late 1600s known as the “Little Ice Age.” Sun colder, Earth colder.