Geography question from Laboratory Attendant exam, 2026 by JKSSB
Two places, X (terrestrial) and Y (marine), are at the same latitude. During summer, Place X records 42°C and Place Y records 32°C. During winter, Place X records 0°C and Place Y records 10°C. What is the most plausible explanation?
Last updated Jun 17, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option C —
Land has a lower specific heat capacity than oceans
This phenomenon is driven by the principle of differential heating of land and water: Specific Heat Capacity: This is the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1°C.Water (Ocean) has a remarkably high specific heat capacity. It acts like a giant thermal buffer—it heats up very slowly during the summer and cools down very slowly during the winter. This creates a maritime effect, keeping Place Y's temperatures moderate year-round ($32^\circ\text{C}$ in summer, $10^\circ\text{C}$ in winter).Land (Terrestrial) has a lower specific heat capacity. It heats up very rapidly under solar radiation and loses its heat just as quickly when the sun goes away. This creates a continental climate, leading to extreme temperature swings at Place X ($42^\circ\text{C}$ in summer, $0^\circ\text{C}$ in winter).
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.