Large Bodies of Water: A Key Factor Affecting Climate — Passage
Large bodies of water, such as oceans and lakes, have a significant impact on climate. Water heats up and cools down more slowly than land, creating a moderating effect on nearby areas.
Coastal regions tend to have milder climates with smaller temperature variations between summer and winter. For example, San Francisco, located near the Pacific Ocean, has cooler summers and warmer winters compared to inland areas.
Water also contributes to humidity and precipitation. As water evaporates, it adds moisture to the air, which can lead to rain or snow. This is why coastal areas often receive more rainfall than inland regions.
Ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream, also influence climate by transporting warm or cold water across the globe. For instance, the Gulf Stream brings warm water to Western Europe, making its climate milder than other regions at similar latitudes.
Fun fact: The city of London, located near the Gulf Stream, has a milder climate than Newfoundland, Canada, even though they are at the same latitude!
What is one effect of large bodies of water on climate?
They create extreme temperature variationsThey moderate temperaturesThey reduce humidityThey stop precipitationWhy do coastal regions have milder climates?
Water heats up and cools down quicklyWater heats up and cools down slowlyCoastal regions receive less sunlightCoastal regions have no waterWhat is one example of a coastal city with a mild climate?
San FranciscoPhoenixDenverChicagoHow does water contribute to precipitation?
By cooling the airBy evaporating and adding moisture to the airBy reducing humidityBy stopping rainfallWhat is the Gulf Stream?
A type of windAn ocean current that transports warm waterA mountain rangeA type of vegetationWhat is one effect of the Gulf Stream on Western Europe?
It makes the climate colderIt makes the climate milderIt reduces rainfallIt increases temperature variationsWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
London has a milder climate than NewfoundlandCoastal regions have no waterThe Gulf Stream stops rainfallWater has no effect on climateWhat is one characteristic of inland climates compared to coastal climates?
Smaller temperature variationsLarger temperature variationsMilder wintersCooler summersCommon core standards covered
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