Question

Imagine two adjacent playing fields, one with a wet surface and the other with a dry surface.

If you simultaneously measured air temperature above each surface on a sunny summer afternoon, where would you expect the higher temperature? Why?

a. Above the dry field. Because of the presence of water, more solar energy is reflected from the wet field surface, and hence its temperature stays cooler,
b. Above the wet field. Thanks to the hydrogen bonds, water can absorb a lot of heat, thus keeping the wet surface warmer.
c. Above the dry field. Evaporation of water over the wet field requires extra energy, which keeps the surface cooler.
d. Above the wet field, because it has a lower albedo.

Answer 1

c. Above the dry field. Evaporation of water over the wet field requires extra energy, which keeps the surface cooler.

Step-by-step explanation:

Out of these two playing fields, the one with a dry surface would most likely have the higher temperature. The main reason for this is that the wet field is consuming the heat in order to dry the ground. The process of evaporation requires the use of some of this heat, keeping the surface cooler. However, once the field dries, then the temperature is likely to be the same in both fields.

Answer 2

Answer:

(C) Above the dry field. Evaporation of water over the wet field requires extra energy, which keeps the surface cooler.

Step-by-step explanation:

If you simultaneously measured air temperature above a dry and wet surface on a sunny summer afternoon, you would expect the higher temperature above the dry surface because Evaporation of water over the wet field requires extra energy, which keeps the surface cooler. It takes more energy to heat and cool water than it does dry ground