The direct measures of climate tend to be mostly the same as the measurable aspects of weather - temperature, precipitation, humidity, wind speed and direction - only over much longer periods of time.
Factors that have the power to change global climate can be natural, like volcanic eruptions and changes in solar energy, or caused by humans, like the addition of greenhouse gases to the atmosphere.
Resource Type: Information
Get prepared for your visit to the NSF NCAR Mesa Lab Visitor Center by reviewing what we have to offer onsite.
When warm and cold air collide, warm air is pushed up and can form clouds.
Resource Type: Information
Weather Channel coverage of a winter storm that traveled across much of the U.S. in February 2017.
Resource Type: Videos
Melting sea ice has only a minor impact on sea level rise because the ice is already in the ocean, but it does cause major changes to the planet. When sea ice melts, more sunlight is absorbed by the Earth, which causes more warming. It’s a vicious cycle. And here’s how it works.
A blizzard isn’t just any old snowstorm. It’s extreme winter weather. Watch and learn what makes these storms special.
Resource Type: Videos