Chapter 24, Problem 1RCQ

Why are temperature swings smaller over coastal lands than inland?

To determine

Why temperature swings smaller over coastal lands than inland.

Answer to Problem 1RCQ

Temperature swings smaller over coastal lands than inland because specific heat capacity of water is greater than the specific heat capacity of rocks and soil.

Explanation of Solution

Land is mostly rock and soil. The specific heat capacity of water is greater than the specific heat capacity of rocks and soil. Consequently, ocean near the coastal lands requires more time to get heated and cooled than the inland.

Rocks and soil present in the inland are poor conductors of heat. Therefore, the solar radiation heats the surface above them. Whereas, in the coastal areas, solar radiation causes evaporation of ocean water and hence, gives the effect of cooling.