How does water contribute to regulating Earth's temperature?

Water plays a significant role in regulating Earth's temperature due to its ability to absorb heat with minimal changes in temperature. This property is attributed to water's high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb large amounts of heat energy without experiencing a substantial increase in its own temperature. As a result, bodies of water such as oceans and lakes can store and gradually release heat, helping to moderate the climate.

This characteristic is crucial for maintaining stable temperatures across the planet, as it prevents extreme fluctuations in temperature during day and night or between seasons. For example, coastal areas tend to have more moderate climates compared to inland areas, largely due to the presence of large bodies of water that regulate temperature.

Other factors might contribute to the climate, such as evaporation and reflection of sunlight, but the specific heat capacity of water is central to its role in thermal regulation.