Florida is bordered by water on three sides. which property of water moderate florida’s coastal areas? a) low specific heat, which results in fast, large changes in water temperature b) high specific heat, which results in fast, large changes in water temperature c) low specific heat, which results in slow, small changes in water temperature d) high specific heat, which results in slow, small changes in water temperature

The correct answer is option D, that is, high specific heat, which results in slow, small changes in water temperature.

Explanation:

The characteristic of water, which assists in maintaining moderate temperature of the Florida's coastal areas is the high specific heat capacity that leads to gradual, minute variations in the water temperature. One specific characteristic of water is the greater heat capacity, which is highest in all the liquids apart from liquid ammonia.  

It is a consequence of the presence of hydrogen bonds between the molecules of water. The greater heat capacity of water maintains its temperature inside a comparatively narrow range, resulting in the closely coastal regions to also exhibit a narrow seasonal and daily temperature range.