Final answer:
The rate at which temperature decreases below the surface of water is slower than that at which it decreases below the surface of land because water has a higher heat capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
The rate at which temperature decreases below the surface of water is slower than that at which it decreases below the surface of land because water has a higher heat capacity. Water has a specific heat capacity that is about five times greater than that of land, such as sand or soil. This means that water can absorb and retain more heat, which causes it to heat up and cool down more slowly compared to land.