Question

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

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 less 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 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 a more steady temperature on land.

1 answer

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 water with a smaller specific heat capacity would not be able to store as much heat energy, leading to more rapid temperature changes in the oceans, which in turn would affect land temperatures and potentially lead to greater fluctuations in climate.