Final answer:
The c. evaporation of water from the ocean is the most crucial factor in maintaining Earth's temperatures, as it moderates global climate and contributes to the greenhouse effect, preventing drastic temperature fluctuations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The student asked which factor most likely helps to maintain the temperatures of Earth. The correct answer is c. water evaporation of ocean. Oceans have the ability to collect and store solar energy and distribute it through their currents, playing a significant role in the world's climates. The oceans' capacity to absorb a large amount of energy with little temperature change is essential for stabilizing temperatures on Earth. This is due to water's large heat capacity, which allows it to store heat during hot weather and release it gradually when it's cold, resulting in milder climates near large bodies of water.
Without oceans, Earth would experience extreme temperature fluctuations. The evaporation of water from the ocean's surface plays a key role in transferring heat into the atmosphere, which is then distributed globally, moderating temperatures. Additionally, water vapor contributes to the greenhouse effect, trapping heat and preventing extremes of cold. Therefore, the climate-moderating effect of the oceans is a critical component in maintaining Earth's temperatures within ranges suitable for life.