Which of the following explains why the temperature of land near water is different than inland?
Which of the following explains why the temperature of land near water is different than inland?
The temperature of land near water is different than inland due to a phenomenon known as maritime effect or coastal effect. This effect occurs because water has a higher specific heat capacity compared to land. Here's why:
1. Water has a higher specific heat capacity: Specific heat capacity is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance. Water has a higher specific heat capacity compared to land, meaning it can absorb and retain more heat energy for longer periods of time.
2. Water moderates temperature changes: Due to its high specific heat capacity, water can absorb a significant amount of heat energy from the sun during the day without a significant rise in temperature. This process is known as heat absorption. As a result, areas near water tend to have cooler temperatures during the day.
3. Water releases heat energy slowly: At night, when the air cools down, water releases the stored heat energy slowly due to its high specific heat capacity. This is known as heat release, and it helps to keep the air near water warmer compared to inland areas during the night.
4. Land has lower specific heat capacity: In contrast, land has a lower specific heat capacity, which means it heats up and cools down more quickly compared to water. This leads to more extreme temperature fluctuations, with warmer temperatures during the day and cooler temperatures at night in inland areas.
In summary, the temperature of land near water is different than inland because water's high specific heat capacity moderates temperature changes, resulting in cooler temperatures during the day and warmer temperatures at night near water.