Q. Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January?
1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.
2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: (a) 1 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation :
1. “The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent”
– ✓ This statement is CORRECT
– In January (winter in Northern Hemisphere):
– Oceans are relatively warmer due to high specific heat
– Continents are colder due to faster cooling
– This causes isotherms to bend northward over oceans and southward over continents
2. “The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north”
– ✗ This statement is INCORRECT
– Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are WARM currents
– They make the North Atlantic Ocean warmer, not colder
– The isotherms do bend towards north, but due to warming effect
– The statement incorrectly identifies these as cold currents
Answer: (a) 1 only
