The ocean is cold even in summer because water A) has high specific heat B) has low specific heat C) conducts heat well D) is insulated from sunlight
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The Deep Dive
Water has a high specific heat, which means it can absorb a lot of heat without a significant increase in temperature. This property allows oceans to store heat from the sun during the summer, but they also take a long time to warm up. As a result, even in summer, the surface water remains relatively cool compared to the air temperature. Another fun fact: the vastness of the ocean also leads to currents that mix warmer and cooler water, playing a pivotal role in regulating our planet's climate. So, while you might be enjoying a sunny beach day, the ocean is still holding on to its chill!