Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January?

1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent.

2. The presence of cold ocean currents, Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north.

Select the answer using the code given below :

The correct answer is Option 1.Key PointsIsotherm:

• The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Isotherms are lines on a map connecting points with the same temperature.
• In January (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), landmasses (continents) cool down more rapidly than oceans. This leads to lower temperatures over continents compared to the oceans.
• Over oceans, the water retains heat better, leading to relatively higher temperatures.
• As a result, isotherms bend northwards over oceans where it's warmer and southwards over continents where it's colder.
• The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm currents, not cold, and they make the North Atlantic region warmer, not colder. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
• Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift:
  • These are warm ocean currents, not cold ones.
  • The Gulf Stream originates in the Gulf of Mexico and moves warm water across the North Atlantic.
  • The North Atlantic Drift is a continuation of the Gulf Stream, carrying warm water towards Europe.
• Warm currents like the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the surrounding regions warmer, not colder.
• The warm currents in the North Atlantic cause the isotherms to bend northward, indicating warmer temperatures in these regions during January.