Question

during the summer, cool coastal breezes blow from the ocean toward the land during the day, and they blow from the land toward the ocean during the night. this shift in wind direction is due to temperature differences in the air over the land and the ocean.

what specific role does the ocean play in this process?

a. the ocean retains less heat, which causes the temperature of the air above it to change drastically between day and night.
b. the ocean retains less heat, which stabilizes the temperature of the air above it.
c. the ocean retains more heat, which causes the temperature of the air above it to change drastically between day and night.
d. the ocean retains more heat, which stabilizes the temperature of the air above it.

Explanation:

Analyze thermal properties of water

Using the Specific Heat Capacity knowledge point

Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it absorbs and retains more heat than land, heating up and cooling down much slower.

Determine the ocean's role in coastal breezes

Because the ocean retains more heat, its temperature remains relatively stable. This stabilizes the temperature of the air directly above it, creating the pressure differences that drive daytime sea breezes and nighttime land breezes.

Answer:

• A. The ocean retains less heat, which causes the temperature of the air above it to change drastically between day and night.
• B. The ocean retains less heat, which stabilizes the temperature of the air above it.
• C. The ocean retains more heat, which causes the temperature of the air above it to change drastically between day and night.
• D. The ocean retains more heat, which stabilizes the temperature of the air above it. (Correct answer)