Final answer:
In spring, the water is always warmer in the winter than the air . This is due to water density being greatest at 4°C, providing a habitable environment for aquatic life even during cold winters. option 2 is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
In spring, the water is always warmer than the air in the winter. This is because during winters, the surface of lakes, especially in northern regions, becomes frozen due to the formation of an ice layer. While ice forms on the surface because it is less dense than water, the water beneath it remains in a liquid state.
Water is densest at approximately 4°C, which means that this is the temperature at which the water molecules are the closest together. Underneath the ice, the water temperature hovers around 4°C, which is warmer compared to the overlying ice and the surrounding air temperatures during winter.
This relatively warm water allows aquatic life to survive through the winter by providing a stable environment that is essential for their existence. The aquatic creatures can continue to use the resources available in the water, even as the surface is icy and cold.
So in summary, when comparing the temperature of the water to the air in winter, the correct answer is option 2 that the water is warmer than the air.