Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which statement best exemplifies the concept of continentality?

1. The temperature in Tampa, FL was a scorching 86 degrees yesterday

2. Clearwater Beach, FL is cooler than Orlando due to the Gulf of Mexico

3. Tampa is hotter than Atlanta because it is closer to the equator

4. Summer rains typically move from west to east

The correct answer is: Clearwater Beach, FL is cooler than Orlando due to the Gulf of Mexico

The concept of continentality refers to the influence of distance from large bodies of water on the climate of a particular region. Locations that are farther from oceans tend to experience more extreme temperatures, while those closer to bodies of water have more moderate climates due to the water’s ability to absorb and retain heat. The statement that Clearwater Beach, FL is cooler than Orlando due to the Gulf of Mexico effectively illustrates this idea. Clearwater Beach, situated directly on the coast, benefits from the moderating effects of the Gulf of Mexico, which helps regulate temperature and reduces extremes in heat. In contrast, Orlando is located further inland, making it more susceptible to the hotter temperatures characteristic of continental locations. In this context, the other statements do not align as closely with the principle of continentality. For instance, emphasizing a specific temperature in Tampa, or comparing temperatures based merely on latitude, fails to consider the influence of bodies of water on climate moderation. Similarly, the statement regarding summer rains does not pertain directly to the temperature influences suggested by continentality.