Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

What factor does not influence the temperatures in relation to continentality?

1. The proximity to the equator

2. The difference between land and water temperatures

3. The seasonal weather patterns

4. The altitude of a location

The correct answer is: The altitude of a location

The concept of continentality refers to the impact of land and water distribution on the climate of a location, particularly how the temperature difference between land and water affects local weather patterns. The factor that does not influence temperatures concerning continentality is the altitude of a location. While altitude can significantly affect climate and temperature by causing cooler temperatures at higher elevations, it operates independently of the principles of continentality. Continentality primarily focuses on how the distance from large bodies of water influences temperature fluctuations—land masses heat and cool more rapidly than water, leading to more extreme temperatures away from coastlines. In contrast, factors like the proximity to the equator, differences between land and water temperatures, and seasonal weather patterns are all integral to understanding continentality. Proximity to the equator affects solar radiation and thus temperature; the land-water temperature disparity is central to how continental regions can experience varying temperatures; and seasonal weather patterns influence how temperatures shift throughout the year, which can also be affected by continentality.