Which of the following characteristics of water helps explain why coastal areas experience less dramatic temperature changes during the day?
A. Water has a high specific heat capacity
B. Water is a versatile solvent
C. Water forms covalent bonds with other water molecules
D. Water's adhesive properties prevent evaporation
Water has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb and store a large amount of heat energy without significantly changing in temperature. This helps moderate the temperature fluctuations of the air near the coast, as water can store heat during the day and release it at night, or vice versa.
Therefore, the Correct Answer is A.