The capacity of water to store large quantities of thermal energy allows water to significantly moderate the Earth's climate.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Water is able to absorb and retain large amounts of thermal energy, which means that it can help regulate the temperature of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans. This property of water is known as its high specific heat capacity, and it is one of the reasons why the Earth's climate is relatively stable despite fluctuations in other factors such as solar radiation and greenhouse gas concentrations. For example, bodies of water can absorb heat during the day and release it at night, which can help moderate temperatures in nearby areas. Similarly, ocean currents can transport heat from one region to another, helping to balance out temperature differences around the globe.

The Capacity of Water to Store Large Quantities of Thermal