Final answer:
The diurnal temperature range can be influenced by factors such as moisture content, elevation, and cloud cover, which affect how heat is absorbed and retained in an area.
Step-by-step explanation:
The diurnal temperature range is influenced by several factors beyond just the daily cycle of sunlight. Three important factors include:
- Moisture content: Areas with higher humidity tend to have smaller diurnal temperature ranges due to the moisture in the air absorbing and retaining heat.
- Elevation: Generally, higher altitudes have greater diurnal temperature fluctuations because the air is thinner and less able to hold heat.
- Cloud cover: Clouds can act as an insulating layer, trapping heat during the night and reducing the temperature difference between day and night.
Additionally, other elements such as geographic location, wind patterns, and surface characteristics (like urban heat islands), can also play significant roles in affecting the diurnal temperature range.