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?
A
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I
Correct answer
B
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct but Statement II does not explain Statement I
C
Statement I is correct but Statement II is not correct
D
Statement I is not correct but Statement II is correct
Explanation
In January it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere, and the land cools much faster than the sea, so the air over the oceans is warmer than the air over the continents (Statement II). As a result, isotherms bend towards the equator over the colder landmasses and towards the pole over the warmer oceans (Statement I). So both are correct and II explains I.
ClimatologyTemperature DistributionIsothermsDifferential HeatingLand-Sea ContrastNorthern HemisphereWinter Season