What moderating effect does the sea or ocean have on coastal regions and islands?

The correct answer highlights the property of water that significantly influences climate and temperature in coastal regions and on islands. Water has a high specific heat capacity, meaning it can absorb and store large amounts of heat without undergoing significant changes in temperature. This characteristic allows water to heat up more slowly during the day and to retain that heat longer into the night compared to land surfaces.

As a result, coastal areas and islands experience milder temperatures. During the day, the land may heat up quickly, leading to warmer temperatures, but as the sun sets and the temperature drops, the water retains heat, which helps moderate temperature fluctuations. This effect creates a more stable climate, reducing the extremes of temperature that can be found inland.

The other choices do not accurately represent the temperature dynamics influenced by water. The idea that water heats and cools faster than land is incorrect, as it is the opposite that is true. Saying that water has no effect on temperature overlooks the significant moderating influence it has. Finally, the notion that water temperature is always higher than land is misleading, as there are many situations where ocean water can be cooler than the land, particularly in colder climates or during certain weather conditions. Thus, option B effectively captures how the ocean or sea moderates temperatures in