Which statement best describes maritime climates?

Which statement best describes maritime climates?

• A. Maritime climates are moderated by oceans, with more rainfall and smaller temperature swings.
• B. Continental climates have large seasonal temperature ranges and are less moderated by oceans.
• C. Maritime climates experience the same temperature range as dry climates.
• D. Maritime climates have extremely low rainfall compared with inland areas.

Answer: (A)

Maritime climates are shaped by the nearby ocean, which acts as a large heat reservoir. Water heats up and cools slowly, so coastal areas show smaller temperature swings across seasons and throughout the day compared with inland places. The ocean also supplies moisture to the air, leading to more cloud cover and higher rainfall. So the combination of moderated temperatures and increased rainfall best describes maritime climates. Descriptions that emphasize large temperature ranges or little ocean influence describe continental climates, while claims of the same temperature range as dry climates or extremely low rainfall don’t fit the strong moisture input from the sea.

Maritime climates are shaped by the nearby ocean, which acts as a large heat reservoir. Water heats up and cools slowly, so coastal areas show smaller temperature swings across seasons and throughout the day compared with inland places. The ocean also supplies moisture to the air, leading to more cloud cover and higher rainfall. So the combination of moderated temperatures and increased rainfall best describes maritime climates.

Descriptions that emphasize large temperature ranges or little ocean influence describe continental climates, while claims of the same temperature range as dry climates or extremely low rainfall don’t fit the strong moisture input from the sea.