When the global average atmospheric temperature changes over a period of at least three ____, the earth's climate can be said to have changed.
A) decades
B) years
C) days
D) months
E) centuries

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Climate is a long-term pattern of weather, which typically involves changes that occur over periods of decades or longer. A change in the global average atmospheric temperature over at least three decades indicates a shift in the climate. Changes that occur over shorter periods, such as years or months, are more likely to be related to short-term weather patterns rather than climate.

When the Global Average Atmospheric Temperature Changes Over a Period