How do oceans and large water areas affect diurnal temperature variation?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

Large water bodies, such as oceans, play a significant role in moderating temperature changes due to their physical properties. Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb and store a significant amount of heat without experiencing a large temperature change. This property allows water bodies to warm up gradually during the day and cool down more slowly at night compared to land surfaces.

As a result, areas near large water bodies tend to have a lower diurnal temperature variation. This means that the difference in temperature between the hottest point of the day and the coolest point of the night is less pronounced. In contrast, land areas can heat up quickly during the day and cool down rapidly at night, resulting in greater fluctuations in temperature.

This characteristic of large water bodies not only affects local climates but also contributes to more stable and moderated weather patterns in coastal regions. Hence, the correct interpretation is that oceans and large water areas warm gradually and exhibit low diurnal variation, leading to a more temperate climate near these environments.

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