Final answer:
The difference in temperature patterns between San Francisco, CA, and Denver, CO, is primarily due to ocean currents, altitude, and continentality, with the California Current moderating San Francisco's climate and Denver's higher altitude leading to cooler temperatures.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference in temperature patterns between San Francisco, CA, and Denver, CO, can be explained by several factors:
- Ocean currents: The California Current, a cold Pacific Ocean current, helps to moderate the temperature of San Francisco, keeping it cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
- Altitude: Denver is located at a higher altitude than San Francisco, contributing to its cooler temperatures, especially at night, due to a thinner atmosphere and less heat retention.
- Continentality: Denver is inland and experiences more temperature extremes (hotter summers and colder winters) compared to San Francisco, which is coastal and benefits from the moderating effects of the ocean.
- Latitude: Both cities are at similar latitudes, so this factor does not explain the temperature difference between them.
Factors such as the urban heat island effect, albedo, and wind systems also influence temperature patterns, but they are not the primary reasons for the difference between these two cities. In summary, the ocean currents, altitude, and continentality are key factors explaining the temperature variations.