Question

the ocean tends to moderate (little change in temperature) the climate of nearby land masses because water
a. warms and cools more quickly than the land.
b. warms and cools more slowly than the land.
c. absorbs heat from the sun on its surface.
d. cannot absorb the heat rays from the sun.

Explanation:

Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it requires more heat energy to change its temperature compared to land. This causes it to warm and cool at a slower rate, which moderates the temperature of nearby land by releasing or absorbing heat gradually. Option A is incorrect because water changes temperature more slowly, not faster. Option C is true but does not explain the temperature moderation effect, as land also absorbs surface sunlight. Option D is false, as water does absorb solar heat rays.

Answer:

B. warms and cools more slowly than the land.