Question

Your family moves from Tennessee to California. After a few weeks, you notice that temperatures are much cooler in California than they were in Tennessee.

Which factors cause these cooler temperatures? Check all that apply.

being closer to the ocean
being farther from the ocean
ocean currents bringing cooler air
ocean currents bringing warmer air
mountain ranges

Answer 1

Correct answers: being closer to the ocean; ocean currents bringing cooler air; mountain ranges.

Brief explanations:
- Being closer to the ocean: Large bodies of water moderate temperature — coastal locations have smaller daily and seasonal temperature ranges and are often cooler in summer than inland locations.
- Ocean currents bringing cooler air: The California Current brings cold water (and cool marine air/upwelling) along the coast, which lowers coastal temperatures.
- Mountain ranges: Mountains affect airflow and temperature (higher elevations are cooler; coastal ranges can trap or channel marine air and block warmer inland air), so topography can contribute to cooler conditions.

Not correct:
- Being farther from the ocean would generally make a place more continental and often hotter in summer, not cooler.
- Ocean currents bringing warmer air would tend to raise temperatures rather than lower them.