Which of the following explains why the temperature of land near water is different than inland? a. bodies of water reflect the sun, thus changing the temperature. b. land near water is a higher altitude, so it is closer to the sun. c. the air over the water affects the air and land nearby. d. water changes land temperatures where it touches the shoreline.

C

Explanation:

There are many different factors that could change the way the environment is affected. The body of water may have certain animals living in or around it, there might be a particularly cold or hot day, or even other factors related to human intervention.

A: Is incorrect because, even though the statement is true, water does reflect some of the suns energy, that does not relate to how it differentiates between the different bodies of water.

B: Is incorrect because even though inland water is at a higher temperature, the distance relative to the sun is so insignificant that it is not taken into account.

C: Is correct because the air over the water can be heated or cooled as the water temperature changes, and can affect the air and land near that body of water. Ocean water cannot affect the surrounding land apart from the coast.

D: Is incorrect because, while the statement provided is true, it once again, does not differentiate between different bodies of water.