Answer: D: Water has a high heat capacity.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bodies of water tend to moderate temperature swings from day to day primarily because water has a high heat capacity. Heat capacity refers to the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance. Water has a relatively high heat capacity compared to land, meaning it can absorb and store a significant amount of heat energy without experiencing large temperature changes.
During the day, when the sun is shining, bodies of water absorb heat energy from the sunlight. As water has a high heat capacity, it can absorb a considerable amount of heat without experiencing a significant rise in temperature. This absorption of heat helps to keep the surrounding areas relatively cooler, moderating the temperature.
During the night, when the air temperature drops, bodies of water release the stored heat energy back into the atmosphere, which can help to warm up the surrounding areas. This release of heat helps to prevent rapid cooling and keeps the temperature relatively stable.
In contrast, land surfaces have a lower heat capacity, so they heat up and cool down more quickly compared to bodies of water. This is why areas located near bodies of water tend to experience milder and more stable temperatures, with less extreme temperature swings from day to day.
Therefore, the high heat capacity of water is the primary reason why bodies of water tend to moderate temperature swings from day to day.