The correct option is 14°C.
Explanation
The horizontal distribution of ocean water temperature is primarily determined by latitude. Generally, the temperature of surface water decreases from the equator towards the poles due to the decreasing amount of insolation received.
Detailed Analysis
The average temperature of surface water in the open ocean is approximately 27°C. This value varies significantly across different latitudes:
- Equator (0°): The average temperature is around 27°C.
- 20° Latitude: The temperature decreases to approximately 22°C.
- 40° Latitude: The average temperature further drops to approximately 14°C.
- Polar Regions: Near the poles, the temperature approaches 0°C.
Therefore, the specific average temperature associated with 40° latitudes is 14°C.
Key Takeaway: There is an inverse relationship between latitude and ocean surface temperature; temperatures drop progressively from ~27°C at the equator to ~14°C at 40° latitude and near freezing at the poles.