Question

Why does a coastal area have less variation in temperature than a noncoastal area?

Temperatures feel cool all year round due to the duration of daylight.
Temperatures change from warm to cool depending on the season.
The temperatures on land change more rapidly than temperatures on water.
The air is warm because warm water moves from the equator to the poles.

Answer 1

A coastal area has less variation in temperature than a noncoastal area primarily because "the temperatures on land change more rapidly than temperatures on water."

Here’s a breakdown of this concept:

1. **Specific Heat Capacity**: Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and retain heat longer than land. As a result, coastal areas benefit from the moderating influence of the ocean, leading to milder temperatures.

2. **Seasonal Temperature Variation**: In noncoastal (or inland) areas, land heats up quickly during the day and cools down quickly at night, leading to more extreme temperature variations. Conversely, coastal areas experience more stable temperatures because the ocean waters help to buffer temperature changes.

3. **Climate Influence**: Oceans generally have a regulatory impact on the climate, providing a more stable temperature environment, reducing the extremes of heat in summer and cold in winter.

Overall, the presence of large bodies of water in coastal areas leads to a more moderate climate with less temperature variation compared to inland areas.