Question

Which one of the following statements best explains why climates at continental shorelines generally have a smaller yearly temperature range than inland climates at the same latitude?a. Land changes temperature rapidly, due to the high specific heat and lack of transparency of landb. Ocean water changes temperature slowly, due to the high specific heat and transparency of waterc. Ocean water is a good absorber and a good conductor of heat energyd. Land is a poor absorber and a poor conductor of heat energy

Answer 1

Answer: B. Ocean water changes temperature slowly, due to the high specific heat and transparency of water.

Explanation: The specific heat of a substance is a measure of the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a given amount of that substance by one degree. Ocean water has a high specific heat, meaning it requires a large amount of heat energy to raise its temperature. This high specific heat means that ocean water changes temperature slowly, helping to stabilize the climate at continental shorelines and reduce the yearly temperature range. The transparency of water also helps to transfer heat energy between the water and the atmosphere, which further helps to regulate the climate at the shoreline. In contrast, land has a lower specific heat and is less transparent, leading to more rapid changes in temperature and a larger yearly temperature range in inland climates at the same latitude.