Ocean Temperature

**Statement-I is incorrect**: The temperature contrast between land and ocean is actually **greater in winter**, not in summer. In winter, land loses heat quickly and becomes much colder, while the ocean retains heat and stays relatively warm → large contrast. In summer, both land and ocean warm up, but the difference is less pronounced compared to winter → smaller contrast. **Statement-II is correct**: Water has a higher specific heat capacity than land. It heats up and cools down more slowly, which explains why oceans have a moderating influence on temperature.

Understanding Isotherms and Their Behavior * Isotherms are lines on a map connecting points with the same temperature. * January is a winter month in the Northern Hemisphere. * Land and Water Heating Differences: Land heats up and cools down faster than water. This leads to significant temperature differences between continents and oceans in winter. **Statement 1: Correct** * In January, continents are colder than oceans in the Northern Hemisphere. * Isotherms bend northward over oceans, indicating warmer temperatures. * Isotherms bend southward over continents, indicating colder temperatures. **Statement 2: Incorrect** * The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm ocean currents, not cold. * These currents bring warm water from the tropics towards Europe, making the North Atlantic relatively warmer in winter. * Isotherms bend northward over the North Atlantic due to these warm currents. **Conclusion: Only statement 1 is a correct inference from isothermal maps in January.**