Water acts as thermal buffer due to

Water acts as a thermal buffer because it resists sudden changes in temperature. This property is due to its high specific heat capacity, which allows it to absorb or release large amounts of heat with minimal temperature change.

Additionally, its high heat of vaporization provides a significant cooling effect when it evaporates, and its high heat of fusion prevents rapid freezing or melting, further stabilizing temperatures in both the environment and living organisms.

Therefore, water acts as a thermal buffer due to its high specific heat, high heat of vaporization, and high heat of fusion.

Answer: high specific heat, high heat of vaporization and high heat of fusion.