UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2025

Consider the following statements: Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, whereas 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?

  1. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
  2. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
  3. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
  4. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I

Explanation

In January, isotherms indeed bend equatorward over landmasses and poleward over oceans in the Northern Hemisphere because oceans retain heat better than land in winter, keeping the air over oceans relatively warmer (both statements correct). However, in the specific bending pattern described, the explanatory logic linking the two as stated does not hold as a direct causal explanation in this option's framing, so Statement II does not explain Statement I in the manner given.

Topics: climatology, geography, isotherms