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microclimate A small area where the climate conditions are different from those around it. tropical The area on Earth that is closest to the equator. It is warmest here because the sun's energy hits almost directly all year long. polar The area on Earth that is closest to the poles. It is coldest here because the sun's energy hits at a lower angle. temperate The area on Earth that is between the tropical and polar zones. The weather changes from warm/hot in the summer to cold/freezing in winter. marine A type of climate near oceans where the water is able to moderate the temperatures, so that it doesn't get very hot in summer or very cold in winter. continental A type of climate in the center of continents that are too far from the ocean for the water to affect land temperatures. These climates have more extreme temperatures. windward The side of the mountain where warm, moist air from water is forced to rise and cool; as a result, it is the side of the mountain that gets the most precipitation. leeward The side of the mountain where cold, dry air descends; as a result, it is the side of the mountain that gets little precipitation. monsoons Seasonal winds that change throughout the year; they bring a great deal of rain and are responsible for flooding in Thailand, India, and Pakistan. weather The day-to-day changes in temperature, wind, precipitation, humidity, and air pressure. climate The average of usual weather pattern that occurs in a region over a long period of time.