Which statement best describes continentality?

• A. It is defined by the rainfall gradient from coast to inland
• B. It refers to the intensity of summer rainfall
• C. It measures cloud cover during the growing season
• D. It is a measure of the difference between the annual mean temperatures of the hottest and coldest months

Answer: (D)

Continentality describes how strongly a climate is moderated by the sea. Regions far from large bodies of water experience greater temperature swings between summer and winter because there is less maritime influence. This is best captured by the difference between the hottest month’s average temperature and the coldest month’s average temperature—the annual temperature range. A larger value indicates a more continental climate, while a smaller value indicates a more maritime climate. The other statements refer to rainfall patterns or cloud cover, not the inland temperature moderation that defines continentality.