Question

read the passage and answer the following question(s).
visualizing global temperatures
earth is heated differently in various areas of the world. temperature patterns can be seen when looking at a map of average temperatures. the image shown is an example of how temperatures are similar in areas north and south of the equator.
locations a and b are found at the same latitudes, yet they have different average temperatures. which choice best explains the difference in temperatures?
a. areas near the ocean experience less extreme temperatures.
b. large landmasses experience less extreme temperatures.
c. areas closer to the equator have warmer temperatures.
d. areas in the eastern hemisphere are warmer than in the western hemisphere.

Explanation:

Looking at the map, location A is near the ocean (as it is in an area that is likely influenced by the ocean's moderating effect on temperature). Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb and release a large amount of heat without a significant change in temperature. This causes areas near the ocean to have less extreme temperatures. Location B is on a large landmass. Land heats up and cools down more quickly than water. So, areas near the ocean (like location A) experience less extreme temperatures compared to areas on large landmasses (like location B) at the same latitude.

Answer:

A. Areas near the ocean experience less extreme temperatures.