[Campbell Biology P.1217] According to the "Bodies of Water" section, how does the high speci... | Practice Question

According to the "Bodies of Water" section, how does the high specific heat of water influence climate near large bodies of water?

  • A: It causes nearby land to heat up and cool down much faster than the water.
  • B: It leads to extreme temperature fluctuations in coastal regions.
  • C: It results in cool air flowing from the land to the water during the day.
  • D: It moderates the climate of nearby land, preventing rapid temperature changes.

Explanation

The "Bodies of Water" section states: "Because of the high specific heat of water see Concept 3.2 , oceans and large lakes tend to moderate the climate of nearby land. During a hot day, when land is warmer than the water, air over the land heats up and rises, drawing a cool breeze from the water across the land." This directly supports that the high specific heat leads to moderation and prevents rapid changes.