The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?

1. Thermal difference between land and water
2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans
3. Presence of strong winds in the interior
4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

The correct answer is 1 only (Thermal difference between land and water).

Statement 1 is correct: Land heats up and cools down much faster than water. This is because water has a higher specific heat capacity, meaning it takes more energy to heat it up and more energy to cool it down. Coastal areas, being influenced by large water bodies, experience a moderating effect on temperature fluctuations. The temperature changes are more gradual throughout the year.

Statement 2 is incorrect: While altitude can affect temperature (higher altitude generally means cooler temperatures), this is not the primary reason for the difference between continental interiors and coasts. Both continents and oceans have variations in altitude.

Statement 3 is incorrect: Winds can play a role in influencing local temperatures, but their presence wouldn't explain the consistent pattern of higher annual ranges seen in continental interiors.

Statement 4 is incorrect: Rainfall patterns can affect temperature to some extent, but coastal areas often receive more rainfall compared to continental interiors. This wouldn't explain the higher annual range observed inland.