Previous Year Question
The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?
Thermal difference between land and water.
Variation in altitude between continents and oceans.
Presence of strong winds in the interior.
Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
Correct Answer: A
Detailed Solution
The annual range of temperature is the difference between the mean temperatures of the warmest and coldest months.
Statement 1 is correct: Thermal difference between land and water
Land heats and cools more rapidly than water.
Water has a higher specific heat, so its temperature changes slowly.
Mixing, convection and evaporation distribute heat through a larger volume of water.
Consequently, the sea keeps coastal areas relatively cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
Continental interiors remain beyond this moderating maritime influence. They experience hotter summers and colder winters, producing a larger annual temperature range.
Other statements:
Statement 2 is incorrect: The altitude difference between continents and oceans does not explain this general pattern.
Statement 3 is incorrect: Strong interior winds are not a universal cause of a high annual temperature range.
Statement 4 is incorrect: Continental interiors do not generally receive heavier rainfall than coastal regions. Moisture and rainfall commonly decrease with increasing distance from the sea.
Therefore, only Statement 1 is correct.