Why is the temperature fairly constant for landmasses surrounded by large bodies of water?

• A. Landmasses reflect more sunlight, preventing temperature changes.
• B. Large bodies of water prevent air movement, keeping temperatures stable.
• C. Water has a low specific heat capacity, causing rapid temperature fluctuations.
• D. Water has a high specific heat capacity, so it absorbs and releases heat slowly, moderating temperature changes.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the concept of specific heat capacity, which is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1 degree Celsius. Water has a high specific heat capacity compared to land.
2. Recognize that because water can absorb or release a large amount of heat with only a small change in its temperature, it acts as a thermal buffer.
3. Analyze how large bodies of water surrounding landmasses absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, which helps to moderate temperature fluctuations on the nearby land.
4. Contrast this with land, which has a lower specific heat capacity and heats up or cools down more quickly, leading to greater temperature changes.
5. Conclude that the high specific heat capacity of water is the key reason why temperatures near large bodies of water remain fairly constant, as water absorbs and releases heat slowly, stabilizing the climate.