Which of the following statements accurately explains why the annual range of temperature is significantly higher in continental interiors compared to coastal locations at the same latitude?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Water possesses a high specific heat capacity, meaning it requires a large amount of energy to change its temperature, and it distributes heat through deep vertical mixing currents. Consequently, oceans heat up and cool down much slower than solid landmasses, imparting a moderating maritime influence on adjacent coastal areas. Landmasses have low specific heat and absorb or release heat rapidly, resulting in extreme seasonal temperature fluctuations characteristic of continental climates. Maritime moderation decreases with distance from the coastline.