High Diurnal Temperature in Desert
Deserts experience high diurnal temperature variations due to their unique geographical and climatic conditions.
- Low Humidity: Deserts have low humidity levels, which means there is less moisture in the air to trap heat. This leads to rapid cooling at night when the heat escapes into the atmosphere.
- Clear Skies: Deserts typically have clear skies, allowing for maximum heating during the day and rapid cooling at night. There are no clouds to block the sun's rays during the day or trap heat at night.
- Dry Soil: The dry soil in deserts does not retain heat well, leading to quick temperature changes between day and night. The lack of vegetation also contributes to the rapid cooling at night.
- Low Thermal Capacity: Deserts have low thermal capacity, meaning they heat up quickly during the day but also cool down rapidly at night. This results in the wide temperature fluctuations characteristic of desert climates.

Moderate Diurnal Temperature in Coastal Regions
Coastal regions, on the other hand, experience more moderate diurnal temperature variations due to their proximity to large bodies of water.
- High Thermal Capacity: Water has a higher thermal capacity than land, meaning it heats up and cools down more slowly. This results in more stable temperatures in coastal areas.
- Sea Breezes: Coastal regions often experience sea breezes, which help regulate temperatures by bringing cooler air from the ocean during the day and warmer air from land at night.
- Moderating Effect: The presence of water helps moderate temperature extremes, leading to more consistent temperatures throughout the day and night.
- Cloud Cover: Coastal areas tend to have more cloud cover than deserts, which can help trap heat at night and prevent rapid cooling. This contributes to the more moderate diurnal temperature variations in coastal regions.