Question

In very humid climates where there are numerous bodies of water, such as in Florida, it is unusual for temperatures to rise above about 35^o.C (95^o)F In deserts, however, temperatures can rise far above this. Explain how the evaporation of water helps limit high temperatures in humid climates.

Short answer

In a humid climate, evaporation decreases the energy of water and thus limits the high temperature.

Step-by-step solution

Explain the scenario in a humid climate

In a humid climate, the amount of water vapor will be higher. Here, the temperature will be lower and won’t rise above 35°C. The reason for the limit at this temperature is evaporation. It is the process in which the water turns into water vapor.

Explain how evaporation limits high temperature in humid climate

Water molecules that receive sufficient kinetic energy to escape from the surface of water will change into vapor. So, the average kinetic energy of the water decreases. This energy and temperature are directly dependant. So, the temperature decreases with the evaporation.

Thus, evaporation limits the temperature by decreasing the energy of water.