UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

Which of the following are correct inferences from isothermal maps in January? 1. Isotherms deviate northward over the ocean and southward over the continent. 2. Cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift, make the North Atlantic colder and bend isotherms northward. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Correct Answer

1 only

Explanation

In January, the Northern Hemisphere continents cool more rapidly than oceans. Consequently, isotherms generally bend equatorward over continents and poleward over oceans, making Statement 1 correct. The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm currents, not cold currents. They raise temperatures in the North Atlantic region, so Statement 2 is incorrect.

Topics: climatology, geography, isotherms, land-sea temperature contrast