Assertion (A): The diurnal temperature range in continental interior deserts is significantly higher than that in coastal desert regions at similar latitudes. Reason (R): Water bodies possess a high specific heat capacity, which moderates coastal thermal extremes through maritime influence, whereas dry continental air lacks moisture to trap outgoing terrestrial radiation effectively.

💡 Solution & Explanation

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly accounts for the observation. Water requires more thermal energy to raise its temperature compared to land and releases it slowly, stabilizing coastal temperatures. In contrast, continental interiors experience intense daytime insolation and rapid nocturnal cooling under dry skies due to the absence of water vapor greenhouse shielding. Diurnal temperature fluctuations exceeding thirty degrees Celsius are frequently recorded in arid interior basins.