Question

Which of the following statements regarding ocean temperature are correct? \[ \begin{aligned} A.&\ \text{The maximum and minimum annual temperatures of ocean water are recorded in August and February respectively in the Northern Hemisphere.} B.&\ \text{The Atlantic Ocean records lower annual range of temperature than the Pacific Ocean.} C.&\ \text{Annual range of temperature is higher in the enclosed sea than in the open sea.} D.&\ \text{The isotherms are not regular and do not follow latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere.} \end{aligned} \] Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

• A. A, B and D only
• B. B, C and D only
• C. A, C and D only
• D. A, B and C only

Hint:

Remember these facts about ocean temperature: \[ \boxed{ \begin{aligned} \text{Maximum (N.H.)} &\rightarrow \text{August}, \text{Minimum (N.H.)} &\rightarrow \text{February}, \text{Atlantic} &\rightarrow \text{Higher Annual Range than Pacific}, \text{Enclosed Seas} &\rightarrow \text{Greater Annual Temperature Range}. \end{aligned} } \] Mnemonic: “Atlantic varies more; enclosed seas vary most.”

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: Ocean temperatures exhibit seasonal variation due to the thermal inertia of water. Isotherms are irregular in the Northern Hemisphere because of the unequal distribution of land and sea and the influence of ocean currents. Enclosed seas experience greater annual temperature variation than open oceans.

Step 1: Evaluate each statement. \[ \begin{aligned} A.&\ \text{True. Maximum temperature occurs around August and minimum around February in the Northern Hemisphere.} B.&\ \text{False. The Atlantic generally has a \emph{higher} annual range than the Pacific because of greater land influence.} C.&\ \text{True. Enclosed seas have a larger annual temperature range than open oceans.} D.&\ \text{True. Northern Hemisphere isotherms are irregular due to land--sea contrast and ocean currents.} \end{aligned} \]

Step 2: Identify the correct combination. \[ \boxed{ A,\ C,\ \text{and}\ D } \] Hence, \[ \boxed{\text{(C)}} \]