Question

5. Because of the high specific heat capacity of water compared to that of soil, a large lake takes longer to heat in the summer than an equivalent area of land. This effect moderates the temperature along the lakeside. But how does the cooler lake keep lakeside communities cooler, i.e. what is the mechanism of energy transfer? (0.5 mark)

Answer 1

The cooler lake, being at a temperature lower than the land sorroundings(which are at higher temperature due to lower specific heat), absorbs heat simultaneously from the land mass due to the temperature difference. As the land imparts some heat to the lake, it cools down in turn and moderates the temperature.