The correct option is 2 only
Explanation
Weather and climate describe the state of the atmosphere but differ significantly in terms of time and space. Weather is a short-term phenomenon, while climate represents a long-term statistical average.
Statement 1 is Incorrect:
Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over an area at any specific point in time. It is momentary and dynamic. Climate, on the other hand, refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time.
Statement 2 is Correct:
Weather can change within a day or even hours. However, for climate, the standard period of observation is much longer. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), climate refers to the average weather conditions calculated over a period of 30 years or more, not five to ten years.
Statement 3 is Incorrect:
The elements of weather and climate are identical, not different. Both are defined and measured by the same atmospheric parameters, which include temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation.
Key Takeaway:
The primary distinction between weather and climate is time; weather is the momentary state of the atmosphere, while climate is the average of weather conditions over a period of at least 30 years.