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.
- 1 only
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation
Only option 1 is correct
- Thermal difference between land and water: This is the primary reason for the higher annual range of temperature in the interior of continents compared to coastal areas. Land heats up and cools down faster than water due to its lower specific heat capacity, causing more extreme temperature fluctuations in inland areas.
- Variation in altitude between continents and oceans: While altitude can affect temperature, it is not a significant factor in the higher temperature range between continental interiors and coastal areas.
- Presence of strong winds in the interior: Strong winds typically occur near the coasts due to pressure differences, but they are not responsible for the high temperature variation in the interior of continents.
- Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts: Coastal areas generally receive more rainfall due to their proximity to oceans, where moisture is abundant. Therefore, this statement is not accurate.
