What is defined as a climate that differs from the surrounding area?

The term that describes a climate differing from the surrounding area is microclimate. This concept refers to localized variations in climate that can occur over short distances, often influenced by factors such as topography, vegetation, or human-made structures. For example, an area under the canopy of a dense forest may have cooler and more humid conditions compared to the open field nearby. This localized climate can significantly impact soil moisture, temperature, and ecological interactions within that specific area.

In contrast, macroclimate refers to the broader climate patterns observed over large geographical regions, capturing the general climate characteristics of areas such as continents or large ecosystems. Bioclimate encompasses the relationship between biological distributions and climatic conditions but does not specifically pertain to localized climate variations. Thermic climate is not a commonly used term in climatology and does not directly address the concept of localized climate variations. Thus, microclimate is the most accurate term for describing a climate that is distinct from the surrounding area.