The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons? 1. Thermal difference between land and water 2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans 3. Presence of strong winds in the interior 4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

1. The question asks for the reason(s)" why the annual range of temperature (difference between the hottest and coldest months) is higher in the interior of the continents compared to coastal areas. 2. Statement 1 describes the fundamental reason: the thermal difference between land and water. Land heats up and cools down much faster than water because water has a higher specific heat capacity. Coastal areas are moderated by the nearby large body of water, which keeps summers cooler and winters milder, resulting in a lower annual range of temperature. Continental interiors lack this moderating influence (a phenomenon called continentality) and thus experience greater temperature extremes – hotter summers and colder winters – leading to a high annual range. This statement is correct. 3. Statement 2 is incorrect. While altitude affects temperature, the difference in annual range between coastal and interior locations is primarily driven by the land-water heating difference, not a systematic variation in altitude between continents and oceans. 4. Statement 3 is incorrect. The presence or absence of strong winds is not the defining factor explaining the difference in temperature range between interior and coastal areas. Both can experience strong winds. 5. Statement 4 is generally incorrect geographically (many interiors are arid) and conceptually. Heavy rains and associated cloud cover tend to moderate temperatures, reducing the range, not increasing it. 6. Therefore, the primary reason is the thermal difference between land and water.