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What does “warmer than normal” actually compare?

A weather report can call a day warmer than normal, but “normal” needs a place, a measurement, and a reference period. Climate normals summarize conditions over a defined span, commonly 30 years. Changing that baseline can change the reported difference without changing the day’s actual temperature.

5–7 min

Questions you could explore

  • Why is a climate normal different from a forecast?
  • How would choosing a different reference period change a temperature anomaly?

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The same Sun can light a blue afternoon and a red evening

Earth and weather3–5 minSunlight takes a different route through the atmosphere near the horizon than overhead. Which colors scatter along that route helps explain a blue afternoon and a red sunset.

Earth and weather

How can lines on a map show a steep hill?

A flat map can warn you that a route climbs sharply before you ever see the hill. Contour lines join places of equal height, and their spacing adds information about how quickly the ground rises.

2–3 min

How can lines on a map show a steep hill?

Earth and weather2–3 minA flat map can warn you that a route climbs sharply before you ever see the hill. Contour lines join places of equal height, and their spacing adds information about how quickly the ground rises.

Earth and weather

How can an earthquake alert arrive before strong shaking?

An earthquake alert can beat the strongest shaking to a distant location even though the earthquake has already started. Detection and communication can travel ahead of the damaging waves, but nearby places may receive little or no warning.

4–5 min

How can an earthquake alert arrive before strong shaking?

Earth and weather4–5 minAn earthquake alert can beat the strongest shaking to a distant location even though the earthquake has already started. Detection and communication can travel ahead of the damaging waves, but nearby places may receive little or no warning.

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