Consider the following statements Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while cross…

Question

Consider the following statements:

Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and 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. A. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I (Correct answer)
2. B. Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
3. C. Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
4. D. Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct

Correct Answer

Option A — Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

Detailed Solution & Explanation

The correct answer is Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I.

Key Points

• In January (Northern Hemisphere winter), land masses cool faster than oceans.
• Colder land pulls isotherms equatorward, while warmer oceans push them poleward — Statement I is correct.
• This happens because oceans retain heat better than land in winter, making air over oceans warmer than over land — Statement II is correct.
• Statement II directly explains the isotherm bending described in Statement I.