Why coastal areas experience less contrasts in temperature conditions?
The simplest answer is that" due to the moderating effect of sea".
we know that coastal areas means having a sea . We also know that the water specific heat capacity is much higher than the soil as well as the rocks.
So it is difficult to change the temperature of ocean rather to increase or decrease it as compared to land. This is why we see little variation of temperature in the coastal areas.
In order to understand more simply keep in mind that, water is difficult to warm or cool than the soil or rock . Which is why temperature variation is not too much on coastal areas.
This question is part of UPSC exam. View all Class 9 courses
Why coastal areas experience less contrasts in temperature conditions?
Introduction:
Coastal areas are regions located near the coastlines of oceans, seas, or other large bodies of water. These areas typically experience less contrast in temperature conditions compared to inland areas. This can be attributed to a variety of factors, including the influence of water bodies, specific weather patterns, and the moderating effect of ocean currents.
1. Influence of water bodies:
Coastal areas benefit from the moderating influence of nearby water bodies, such as oceans or seas. Water has a higher specific heat capacity compared to land, meaning it can absorb and store more heat energy without experiencing a significant change in temperature. As a result, coastal regions experience a more stable temperature regime as the water acts as a temperature buffer.
2. Specific weather patterns:
Coastal areas often have specific weather patterns that contribute to the reduced temperature contrasts. For instance, coastal regions are frequently influenced by onshore winds, which bring maritime air masses from the ocean. These air masses have a more consistent temperature compared to inland air masses, resulting in a narrower temperature range along the coast.
3. Sea and land breezes:
Sea and land breezes are another factor that contributes to the reduced temperature contrasts in coastal areas. During the day, the land heats up faster than the water, causing the air above the land to rise. This creates a low-pressure zone over the land, and cooler air from the sea rushes in to fill the gap, creating a sea breeze. Conversely, at night, the land cools down more rapidly than the water, resulting in a land breeze. These air movements help to moderate the temperature, preventing extreme temperature fluctuations.
4. Moderating effect of ocean currents:
Ocean currents play a significant role in regulating temperature conditions along coastal areas. Cold ocean currents, such as the California Current or the Benguela Current, can lower the temperature of coastal areas, while warm ocean currents, like the Gulf Stream, can raise the temperature. These currents help to stabilize the temperature, reducing the contrast between day and night or between different seasons.
Conclusion:
Coastal areas experience less contrast in temperature conditions due to the influence of water bodies, specific weather patterns, sea and land breezes, and the moderating effect of ocean currents. These factors work together to create a more stable temperature regime, making coastal regions more temperate compared to inland areas.
To make sure you are not studying endlessly, EduRev has designed Class 9 study material, with Structured Courses, Videos, & Test Series. Plus get personalized analysis, doubt solving and improvement plans to achieve a great score in Class 9.