Final answer:
A Near Water Maritime climate typically has a small annual temperature range due to the moderating influence of nearby water bodies. This causes milder winters and cooler summers when compared to regions further inland.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term climate refers to the long-term atmospheric effects that remain consistent over decades and centuries. A Near Water Maritime climate refers specifically to areas that are influenced by the proximity to large bodies of water, such as oceans and seas. Due to the thermal inertia of water, which heats and cools more slowly than land, coastal regions often experience more moderate climate conditions. Additionally, the presence of water affects not only temperatures but also precipitation patterns.
When referring to the annual temperature range of the Near Water Maritime climate, the correct answer is a) Small temperature range. This means that throughout the year, temperatures in these regions do not fluctuate as wildly as they do in more continental or interior climates, which are subject to more extreme temperature variations. Maritime climates benefit from the moderating influence of water, resulting in milder winters and cooler summers compared to areas that are further inland.
For instance, the climate of the British Isles, influenced by the Gulf Stream, remains moderate despite the northern latitude location. This is a classic example of a maritime climate where the surrounding water and ocean currents like the Gulf Stream help to keep the temperature range smaller than one would expect given the latitude.