Question

a sea breeze is a gentle wind that blows from the sea toward land, as shown below. sea breezes often occur in the morning. image courtesy of noaa which of the following best explains what causes sea breezes? ○a. land heats up much faster than the sea, so the air just above land rises up and is replaced by cooler air from above the sea. ○b. land heats up much slower than the sea, so the air just above land rises up and is replaced by cooler air from above the sea. ○c. during the day, the air above the sea is warmer and less dense, so it moves toward land.

Explanation:

• Option A: Land has a lower specific heat capacity than water. So, during the day (morning is part of the day), land heats up faster than the sea. The air above the land gets heated, becomes less dense and rises. Then cooler air from above the sea (which is relatively cooler as water heats up slowly) moves in to replace the rising air, creating a sea - breeze.
• Option B: Land heats up faster than the sea, not slower. So this option is incorrect.
• Option C: During the day, the air above the land is warmer (since land heats up faster), not the air above the sea. So this option is incorrect.

Answer:

A. Land heats up much faster than the sea, so the air just above land rises up and is replaced by cooler air from above the sea.