Question

Explain how the different heat capacity between sand and water might account for the climate differences between Tripoli and Azizia, considering both night and day and seasonal changes? Heat capacity of sand: .548   

Answer 1

Yes, the differece in heat capacities of sand and water results in the climate differences between Tripoli and Azizia. Specific heat is defined as the amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of a substance by 1^oC. Water has a very high specific heat capacity of about 4184 J kg^-1 K^-1. This means that water needs to absorb a lot of energy before its temperature changes. Sand, on the other hand has lower specific heat than water, i.e. it requires lesser amount of energy to raise its temperature and its temperature changes more quickly. When there is bright sunlight, sand becomes hot easily and quickly as compared to water. So, in Azizia where there is more sand, it would likely to be more hotter than Tripoli. At night also, the temperature in Azizia would change quickly and the area will become cool faster than Tripoli.