Final answer:
It is likely warmer in Norfolk, Virginia than in San Francisco, California due to the warm ocean currents from the south affecting Norfolk's climate. The cold currents near San Francisco moderate the city's temperatures, preventing extremes in both summer and winter.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement most likely correct about the average temperatures in San Francisco, California, as compared to Norfolk, Virginia is: It is higher in Norfolk because of the warm ocean currents from the south. The ocean currents map indicates that there is a looping current from the north past San Francisco, which is typically a colder current descending from the Arctic regions. Conversely, the looping current from the south near Norfolk suggests a warm current, likely part of the Gulf Stream, which carries warmth from the equator northward along the East Coast. These warm ocean currents contribute to a milder climate and higher average temperatures in Norfolk.
The bodies of water around San Francisco help moderate its extreme temperatures. The cold California Current flowing south along the coast brings cooler air, which can moderate the temperatures particularly in the summer, preventing extreme heat like that experienced in inland areas. During the winter, the adjacent water, which cools down and heats up more slowly than land, can maintain a more constant temperature, often making coastal areas like San Francisco warmer than inland areas like Sacramento.