Chapter 9, Problem 10RQ

To determine

The reason behind the warmer climate of West Coast of the United States than the East Coast.

Answer to Problem 10RQ

The reason behind the warmer climate of the West Coast of the United States than the East Coast is the high specific heat capacity of water.

Explanation of Solution

The high specific heat capacity of water has great effects on the world’s climate as it takes more energy to warm water than to warm the land. On the West Coast, air moves from the Pacific Ocean to the land. In winter, ocean water is warmer than the air. Air blows over the warm water and then moves over the coastal regions. This air warms the climate.

The East coast does not benefit from the moderating effects of water because the direction of air is from land to the Atlantic Ocean. The land has lower specific heat capacity than water gets hot in summer but cools rapidly in the winter.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the reason behind the warmer climate of West Coast of the United States than the East Coast is the high specific heat capacity of water.