Continental Temperature Annual Range

Statement 1 is correct. The primary reason for the high annual temperature range in continental interiors is the thermal difference between land and water. Land heats up quickly in summer and cools down rapidly in winter due to its low specific heat capacity, while water has a high specific heat capacity and heats/cools slowly. Coastal areas remain moderate year-round due to the moderating influence of oceans. Statement 2 is incorrect. While altitude variations exist, they are not a primary cause of the continental-coastal temperature range difference. Statement 3 is incorrect. The presence of strong winds in the interior is not a cause; rather, the lack of moderating maritime air is the issue. Statement 4 is incorrect. Heavy rains would increase cloudiness and actually moderate temperatures rather than increase annual range. Therefore, only statement 1 is correct. > The continental interior's extreme seasons reflect land's thermal instability, while oceans act as planetary thermostats moderating coastal climates. Answer: (a).