Set D - UPSC Prelims 2025 Solutions

QQuestion

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?

OOptions

A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

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

✓Correct Answer

A) Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

DDalvoy Solutions

Statement I: Correct. In January (Northern Hemisphere winter), isotherms do bend equatorward while crossing landmasses and poleward while crossing oceans due to differential heating properties of land and water.

Statement II: Correct and explains Statement I. In January, oceans retain more heat from the previous warm season due to water's high specific heat capacity, making ocean air warmer than continental air masses. Land masses cool rapidly in winter, creating colder temperatures over continents.

This temperature difference causes isotherms (lines of equal temperature) to deviate from their latitudinal pattern - bending toward the equator over cold landmasses and toward the poles over relatively warmer oceans.

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SUPSC Prelims Strategy and Tips

For isotherm questions, consider the differential heating and cooling rates of land versus water. Oceans moderate temperature while landmasses experience greater seasonal temperature variations.

SUPSC Prelims 2025 Syllabus Analysis

Geography - Temperature distribution and climatic patterns

AUPSC Prelims 2025 Question Analysis

Medium to Hard difficulty - requires understanding of temperature distribution patterns and isotherm behavior

Question 67

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