Question

Areas close to large bodies of water, like oceans and lakes, often have milder climates than those farther inland. That’s because water has what is called a high specific heat, or the ability to resist sudden changes in temperature. Water absorbs and releases heat much more slowly than land. Air temperatures near large bodies of water tend to have smaller fluctuations. This partly explains why New York City, surrounded by water, has an average temperature of 38°F in January, while landlocked Minneapolis’s average January temperature is 24°F.

Another reason for Minneapolis’s cooler temperature is its higher elevation, or distance above sea level. Air pressure is lower at higher altitudes, meaning there is less collision between air molecules. Less collision means less energy, so the air at high elevations is colder than the air at sea level.

Which statement best expresses the central idea of the first paragraph?

Answer 1

The main idea is that Areas close to large bodies of water, like oceans and lakes, often have milder climates than those farther inland.

Step-by-step explanation: