The annual range of temperature in the interior of the continents is high as compared to coastal areas. What is/are the reason/reasons?<br/>1. Thermal difference between land and water<br/>2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans<br/>3. Presence of strong winds in the interior<br/>4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts<br/><br/>Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. Thermal difference between land and water — Correct. Land heats and cools much faster than water, so interiors show greater summer-winter contrast while coasts are moderated by the sea.

2. Variation in altitude between continents and oceans — Incorrect. Annual temperature range is mainly controlled by continentality and maritime influence, not by average altitude difference between continents and oceans.

3. Presence of strong winds in the interior — Incorrect. Strong winds are not the general reason for high annual range; maritime winds usually reduce temperature extremes near coasts.

4. Heavy rains in the interior as compared to coasts — Incorrect. Interiors are generally drier than coasts, and rainfall is not the main cause of higher annual temperature range.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct.