As the atmosphere and Earth’s surface materials absorb ultraviolet light, visible light, and infrared energy, they gain thermal energy and their temperatures rise. Which of the following best explains why the dry and sandy areas of deserts are hotter than the water in oases, even when the areas are both at the same latitude and altitude?
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Water’s ability to moderate temperature is less than that of sand.
Water’s ability to moderate temperature is greater than that of sand.
Water is a polar molecule that reflects heat energy with like electrical charges.
Water is a polar molecule that attracts heat energy with opposite electrical charges.