QQuestionEarth Science
QuestionEarth Science
The cities of Portland, Oregon, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, are at about the same latitude, but Minneapolis has much hotter summers and much colder winters than Portland. Why?
A) Freshwater is more likely to freeze than salt water.
B) They are not at exactly the same latitude.
C) The ocean is so large that it has a highly moderating influence on temperature.
D) Minneapolis is much windier, due to its location in the middle of a continent.
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Answer
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Step 1:Let's solve this step by step:
Step 2:: Understand the Key Factors Affecting Climate
The primary reason for the temperature difference between Portland and Minneapolis is their proximity to large bodies of water. Portland is located near the Pacific Ocean, while Minneapolis is in the interior of the North American continent.
Step 3:: Ocean's Moderating Effect
The Pacific Ocean has a significant temperature-moderating effect on Portland's climate. Large bodies of water: - Absorb heat slowly during summer - Release heat slowly during winter - Create a more stable, less extreme temperature range
Step 4:: Continental Climate Characteristics
Minneapolis experiences a continental climate, characterized by: - Significant temperature variations between seasons - Lack of large bodies of water to moderate temperature - More extreme temperature swings (hot summers, cold winters)
Step 5:: Analyze the Answer Choices
- Option A is incorrect (water freezing is not the primary cause) - Option B is irrelevant (slight latitude differences don't explain temperature extremes) - Option C directly explains the temperature moderation phenomenon - Option D is partially true but not the main reason for temperature differences
Final Answer
The Pacific Ocean's thermal properties create a more stable climate for Portland, while Minneapolis experiences more dramatic seasonal temperature changes due to its inland location.
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