Correct Option
The correct option is (c) 1 and 3 only.
Explanation
Weather and climate describe the state of the atmosphere but differ significantly in terms of time and space. While weather refers to short-term conditions, climate represents the long-term average of these conditions.Statement 1 is Correct: Climate refers to the sum total of weather conditions and variations over a large area for a long period of time (usually more than thirty years). It represents a generalized and aggregated picture of atmospheric conditions.
Statement 2 is Incorrect: Weather refers to the state of the atmosphere over an area at any specific point in time. It is highly dynamic and can fluctuate frequently within a day. The statement incorrectly attributes the characteristics of climate (long period) to weather.
Statement 3 is Correct: The elements used to describe both weather and climate are identical. These include temperature, atmospheric pressure, wind, humidity, and precipitation. The distinction lies in the duration of observation rather than the parameters themselves.
Key Takeaway: Weather is the momentary state of the atmosphere, whereas climate is the statistical average of weather conditions over a period exceeding thirty years; both share the same measurable elements.