What climate control explains the month-to-month temperature variation between cities like Seattle and Fargo?

The correct answer regarding the month-to-month temperature variation between Seattle and Fargo is linked to the distribution of land and water. This climatic control is significant because it influences regional temperatures. Seattle, located near the Pacific Ocean, experiences a maritime climate characterized by milder temperatures and more consistent weather patterns throughout the year. The proximity to large bodies of water helps to moderate temperatures, leading to cooler summers and warmer winters compared to inland areas.

In contrast, Fargo, situated further inland and far from oceanic influence, experiences a continental climate with more extreme temperature variations. This means that it can have very cold winters and hotter summers, as land heats and cools more rapidly than water. The distribution of land and water thus plays a crucial role in the thermal dynamics of these regions, ultimately accounting for the observed differences in their month-to-month temperature variations.

Understanding this concept is essential as it highlights how geographical features and locations directly affect local climate patterns, leading to the diverse weather experiences in different cities.