The sixteenth issue of Online Quiz Games - Climatology

19 October 2015

"Climate" of a place refers to the average meteorological condition or pattern in that place over a relatively long period of time (normally not less than 30 years). It is different from "weather" which describes the combined atmospheric condition within a relatively short period of time (present to several days). For example, the monthly mean of daily maximum temperature in October recorded at the Hong Kong Observatory from 1981 to 2010 was 27.8 degree Celsius, whereas the maximum temperature of each day differs from day to day according to variations in the origin of air mass and weather elements like cloud amount, solar radiation, wind speed, rainfall amount, etc. Therefore, "climate" generally describes the average atmospheric condition, but its change poses a deep and far effect on mankind and the environment. Weather changes on a day-to-day basis may affect our regular activities or plans. We should be aware of changes in both weather and climate.

The Hong Kong Observatory makes available on its website statistical information of local meteorological observations starting from 1884 for reference by the public. In addition, the Observatory regularly prepares climatological summaries and conducts climatological studies. The topics include urban climate, climate trends and extreme weather, etc. The study results will be presented at international conferences and published in scientific journals or departmental technical notes.

Welcome to join this issue of the quiz games on climatology! It will end on 1 November.

HKO's webpage:
http://www.weather.gov.hk/education/online_quiz/intro_e.htm

HKO's mobile webpage
http://www.weather.gov.hk/m/online_quiz/m_intro_e.htm