Question

The average temperature in July for Ann Arbor is 83°F and the average temperature for July in Petoskey is 75°F. Which of the following best explains why this difference in temperature between the two locations occurs?

A. Cities more inland tend to have more precipitation in the summer because land takes longer to heat up than water.
B. Cities more inland tend to be cooler in the summer because the air is cooler than the land surface.
C. Cities near water tend to have less precipitation in the summer because the water is warmer than the air.
D. Cities near water tend to be cooler in the summer because the water is cooler than the air.

Answer 1

The average temperature difference between Ann Arbor and Petoskey is due to the moderating effect of nearby bodies of water on Petoskey, with Ann Arbor being more inland and thus warmer in the summer.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference in temperature between Ann Arbor and Petoskey in July can be explained by the impact of bodies of water on local climates. Ann Arbor, being more inland, experiences warmer temperatures as land masses heat up more quickly during the summer months compared to bodies of water. Petoskey, on the other hand, is closer to water and therefore tends to have cooler summer temperatures. This is because water heats up and cools down more slowly than land, which moderates the temperature of nearby areas. So the correct statement is: Cities near water tend to be cooler in the summer because the water is cooler than the air. This principle is consistent with temperature patterns observed in other cities as well as general climatic behavior, where proximity to water bodies, such as oceans and large lakes, tends to stabilize the temperature range.