Q. The temperature variation of land near sea is very less compared to that far from sea. This is due to
a) Sun ray is not direct
b) The sea absorbs the heat
c) High heat capacity of humid air
d) Heat is reflected by the sea
Question from Odisha OCS Paper 1 2024
Correct Answer: c) High heat capacity of humid air
Explanation: The temperature variation of land near the sea is less compared to areas far from the sea because of the high heat capacity of water and the humid air near the sea. Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and store a large amount of heat without a significant rise in temperature.
During the day, the sea absorbs heat and prevents the land from getting too hot. At night, the sea releases the stored heat slowly, keeping the surrounding areas warmer. This moderating effect of the sea reduces temperature fluctuations in coastal regions. Humid air near the sea also plays a role in maintaining a stable temperature as it retains heat more effectively than dry air. Hence, the correct answer is option c.