Question

two cities are located at the same latitude and elevation. one city, located in the center of the united states, has cooler winters and warmer summers than the other city, which is located near the coast. which statement best explains these seasonal differences?
the air over continents is drier than the air over oceans
cold airmasses usually originate over continents
a large body of water modifies coastal air temperatures.
warm ocean currents flow along most coastlines.
rewatch

Explanation:

1. Analyze Option 1: The dryness of air over continents vs oceans is not related to seasonal temperature differences between inland and coastal cities. So this is incorrect.
2. Analyze Option 2: The origin of cold airmasses does not explain the temperature difference between inland and coastal cities with the same latitude and elevation. So this is incorrect.
3. Analyze Option 3: Large bodies of water (oceans) have a moderating effect on temperature. Water has a high specific heat capacity, so coastal areas have milder winters and summers. This matches the problem's scenario.
4. Analyze Option 4: Not all coastlines have warm ocean currents, and this statement is too general and does not explain the temperature difference as well as the moderating effect of water. So this is incorrect.

Answer:

C. A large body of water modifies coastal air temperatures.