Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter.
Statement-II: The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- C.Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- D.Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
The specific heat of water is significantly higher than that of land. This means water requires more heat to raise its temperature and loses heat more slowly. Consequently, oceans moderate temperatures, leading to smaller seasonal temperature contrasts compared to continents. While continents heat up rapidly in summer and cool down rapidly in winter, the oceans' high specific heat prevents extreme temperature fluctuations, making the continent-ocean temperature contrast greater in winter than in summer.
Source: UPSC gs1 2023