The land along the great lakes' coasts is known as "the fruit belt" because of the year-round ideal conditions for fruit farming. how are the coastal air temperatures affected by the great lakes, creating profitable conditions for fruit farmers? a) during winter, the great lakes act as a heat source, to regulate extreme temperatures in the surrounding areas. b) hills and mountains surrounding the great lakes area force warm air downward toward the lake, making the coastal areas warmer. c) the elevation of the great lakes is higher than the surrounding areas, causing air to heat and cool slowly, without damaging crops. d) dry regions surrounding the great lakes cause warm air masses to move quickly across the lakes, resulting in more stable temperatures.