Question

UPSC Prelims 2021 Question:

In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds.

In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3: Both 1 and 2

Detailed Solution

Explanation:

In the tropical zone, due to Northeast Trade winds warmer water flows to the western side of the ocean. Thus, the western section of the ocean become warmer than the eastern section due to trade winds. So, statement 1 is correct.
In a similar way, in temperate zones, the warm and equatorial waters are moved to the eastern section of the oceans due to westerlies. Thus, the eastern section of the ocean is warmer than the western section due to the impact of westerlies. So, statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (3) is the correct answer.

Subject: Geography | Oceanography

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