The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons? Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Answer: (a) 1 only

Only the land–water heating difference explains it.

Statement by statement

1. ✓ YES Land heats and cools faster than water, so interiors have extreme seasons.

2. ✗ NO Altitude is not the general reason.

3. ✗ NO Wind is not the reason.

4. ✗ NO Interiors are usually drier, not wetter.

The idea

The annual temperature range compares the warmest and coldest monthly means. A nearby ocean moderates both extremes because it stores and releases heat slowly. Farther inland, land temperatures respond more sharply to seasonal heating. This is continentality; it should not be confused with the day-night range.

Summer adds heat → Land warms quickly → Winter removes heat → Land cools quickly → An inland station has a wide seasonal range → Nearby seawater moderates a coastal station

Why the others are wrong

(b) Adds altitude.

(c) Adds altitude and winds.

(d) Adds three wrong reasons.

Elimination technique

The stem asks for a general interior-versus-coast mechanism. Different altitude and stronger interior winds are not necessary features of that contrast; heavy interior rainfall is not necessary either. The land-water thermal difference is the only general reason offered.

Also know

Daily range is the difference between a day’s maximum and minimum temperatures. Clouds and humidity often reduce this range by limiting daytime heating and night-time cooling. Latitude, altitude and prevailing winds also affect actual station temperatures. Mumbai and inland Delhi illustrate maritime influence, although they differ in latitude as well.