Final answer:
The air above the land is warmer than the air above the water due to the difference in specific heat capacities. Water has a higher specific heat capacity than sand, allowing it to absorb more heat energy before its temperature increases.
Step-by-step explanation:
The air above the land is warmer than the air above the water due to the difference in specific heat capacities. Water has a higher specific heat capacity than sand, which means it can absorb more heat energy before its temperature increases. On the other hand, sand (or land) has a lower specific heat capacity, allowing it to heat up more quickly when exposed to sunlight. As a result, during the day, the land absorbs more heat energy from the Sun, causing the air above it to become warmer than the air above the water.
Additionally, water is commonly used as a coolant for machinery because it can absorb large quantities of heat. Similarly, the presence of the ocean moderates coastal climates. Water in lakes or oceans absorbs heat from the air on hot days and releases it back into the air on cool days, contributing to the formation of sea breezes.