Question

two cities in north america are shown on the map below.
in san francisco, the average daily high temperature is 19°c during summer, while in louisville, it is 31°c.
which of the following statements best describes why summer temperatures tend to be cooler in san francisco than in louisville?
choose 1 answer:
san francisco is closer to the equator.
san francisco is closer to a large body of water.
san francisco is farther from the equator.
san francisco is more landlocked.

Explanation:

Water has a high specific heat capacity. Bodies of water can absorb and store a large amount of heat without a significant increase in temperature. San Francisco is near the ocean (a large body of water). The ocean helps to moderate the temperature, keeping it cooler in summer compared to Louisville (which is more inland and not near such a large body of water). Option A is incorrect as both cities are at similar latitudes (not a significant difference in distance to the equator). Option C is wrong for the same reason as A. Option D is incorrect because San Francisco is not land - locked (it is on the coast).

Answer:

B. San Francisco is closer to a large body of water.