Oceans influence global weather patterns by (2 points)
A. mixing cool water with warm surface water
B. causing the land near the coasts to be colder all year
C. causing the land near the coasts to have a more constant temperature all year
D. causing the land near the coasts to be warmer all year
To determine which option best describes how oceans influence global weather patterns, we can examine the various roles that oceans play in regulating climate.
A. Mixing cool water with warm surface water: Oceans have a significant role in redistributing heat across the Earth's surface through ocean currents. In areas where warm and cool water mix, these currents can transport heat from one region to another, influencing weather patterns.
B. Causing the land near the coasts to be colder all year: While oceans can moderate temperatures near coastal areas, they typically have a warming effect rather than cooling. This is because bodies of water tend to have a higher heat capacity than land, meaning they can absorb and store more heat. As a result, coastal areas often experience milder temperatures compared to inland regions.
C. Causing the land near the coasts to have a more constant temperature all year: This option is a possible outcome of the ocean's moderating effect on nearby land areas. The thermal inertia of water can help stabilize temperatures, making coastal regions experience less extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year.
D. Causing the land near the coasts to be warmer all year: This option is not accurate since the ocean's influence on coastal areas typically leads to a more moderate or slightly cooler climate compared to inland regions.
Therefore, the best option that describes how oceans influence global weather patterns is C. Causing the land near the coasts to have a more constant temperature all year.