Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January?

Question

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

Answer 1

(a) 1 only

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. In January, the isotherms (lines connecting points of equal temperature) typically bend towards the north over the oceans due to the moderating effect of the water, which retains heat better than land. Over continents, the isotherms bend southward due to the rapid cooling of land masses.

• Statement 2: Incorrect. The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm ocean currents that warm the North Atlantic Ocean. The warm currents cause the isotherms to bend towards the north, but these currents do not make the ocean colder. Instead, they make the ocean warmer.

Therefore, only statement 1 is correct, making option (a) the correct answer.