You set up an experiment to investigate the different rates at which soil and water heat and cool. You use the following equipment:
Thermometers (measuring in °C)
Container of soil
Container of water
Radiation Lamp
Timer
You obtain the temperature of the soil and water over a period of time and collect the following data:


The following graph was then made using the data.

Based on this experiment, compare the heating and cooling of air masses above the ocean and the land.
- The air above the ocean and land heats and cools at the same rate.
- The air above land heats and cools faster.
- The air above the ocean heats and cools faster.
- The air above the land heats faster but the air above the ocean cools faster.
Answer(s): B
Explanation:
Since soil heats faster, the air above land should then be heated faster by the heat radiated by the land. This narrows the selection to choices B and D. Since the soil also cools faster, the air above the land will cool faster as it comes to equilibrium with the cooler ground temperature by losing heat to the ground. This narrows the final choice to B.
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