The cities of Portland, Oregon, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, are at about the same latitude, but Minneapolis has much hotter summers and much colder winters than Portland. Why?
A) They are not at the same exact latitude.
B) The ocean near Portland moderates the temperature.
C) Fresh water is more likely to freeze than salt water.
D) Minneapolis is much windier, due to its location in the middle of North America.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ocean near Portland moderates the temperature. The ocean has a stabilizing effect on the temperature of nearby land, making the summers cooler and the winters milder. Minneapolis is located inland with no significant large bodies of water nearby, which allows for greater temperature fluctuations throughout the year.

The Cities of Portland, Oregon, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, Are at About