QUESTION

Easy

Physical Geography

Prelims 2024

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 :

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Explanation

Understanding Isotherms and Their Behavior

  • Isotherms are lines on a map connecting points with the same temperature. 

  • January is a winter month in the Northern Hemisphere.

  • Land and Water Heating Differences: Land heats up and cools down faster than water. This leads to significant temperature differences between continents and oceans in winter.

Statement 1: Correct

  • In January, continents are colder than oceans in the Northern Hemisphere. 

  • Isotherms bend northward over oceans, indicating warmer temperatures. 

  • Isotherms bend southward over continents, indicating colder temperatures.

Statement 2: Incorrect

  • The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm ocean currents, not cold. 

  • These currents bring warm water from the tropics towards Europe, making the North Atlantic relatively warmer in winter. 

  • Isotherms bend northward over the North Atlantic due to these warm currents.

Conclusion: Only statement 1 is a correct inference from isothermal maps in January.

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