Consider the following statements:
Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans.
Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere.
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 explains Statement I
- B.Both Statement I and Statement II are correct, but Statement II does not explain Statement I
- C.Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
- D.Statement I is incorrect but Statement II is correct
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
During January, the Northern Hemisphere experiences winter. Landmasses cool down more rapidly than oceans. Consequently, oceans remain relatively warmer than continents. This temperature difference causes isotherms (lines of equal temperature) to bend towards the equator (equatorward) over colder landmasses, indicating lower temperatures there. Conversely, over warmer oceans, isotherms bend towards the pole (poleward), reflecting higher temperatures relative to the land.
Source: UPSC gs1 2025