If the specific heat capacity of water were smaller than it is, how would this affect oceans and climate?(1 point)

Question

Responses

The oceans could absorb less heat, leading to a more steady temperature on land.
The oceans could absorb less heat, leading to a more steady temperature on land.

The oceans could absorb more heat, leading to a more steady temperature on land.
The oceans could absorb more heat, leading to a more steady temperature on land.

The oceans could absorb more heat, leading to greater swings in temperature on land.
The oceans could absorb more heat, leading to greater swings in temperature on land.

The oceans could absorb less heat, leading to greater swings in temperature on land.
The oceans could absorb less heat, leading to greater swings in temperature on land.

Answer 1

If the specific heat capacity of water were smaller than it is, the correct response would be:

The oceans could absorb less heat, leading to greater swings in temperature on land.

This is because a lower specific heat capacity would mean that water would heat up and cool down more quickly, which would result in less stable temperatures in the oceans and, consequently, greater temperature fluctuations on land.