Final answer:
The high heat capacity of water affects global climate by moderating coastal temperatures and enabling heat transfer between the ocean and the atmosphere. It also influences oceanic circulation patterns, affecting the distribution of heat in the ocean's upper layers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The high heat capacity of water, combined with ocean circulation, leads to several critical effects on global climate and weather patterns. One of the most prominent effects is warm temperatures in continental coastal areas (option b). This phenomenon occurs because water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and release large amounts of heat energy with minimal changes in its own temperature. This property allows coastal regions to experience more moderate climates as ocean water absorbs heat from the air on hot days and releases it on cool days.
Additionally, the high heat capacity of water enables heat transfer between the ocean and the atmosphere due to evaporation along the equator (option e). When water evaporates, it removes heat from the ocean surface. If this water vapor condenses into clouds, it releases heat into the atmosphere, playing a significant role in climate dynamics and even in the formation of severe weather systems like thunderstorms and hurricanes.
The impact of water's high heat capacity on oceanic circulation patterns affects the distribution of heat in the upper layers of the ocean, leading to temperature increases and influencing air temperature. This heat then influences surface currents and climate systems globally, further demonstrating the important role of water's thermal properties in Earth's climate system.