Consider the following statements : Statement-I : The temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greater during summer than in winter. Statement-II : The specific heat of water is more than that of land surface. Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
- (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Statement-II is correct: water has a higher specific heat than land, so it warms and cools more slowly.
• Statement-I is incorrect: because land heats and cools faster, the temperature contrast between continents and oceans is greatest in winter, when continental interiors become bitterly cold while oceans stay relatively warm (e.g. Siberia versus the North Atlantic in January); in summer the contrast is smaller.
• The winter contrast drives strong pressure differences and the winter monsoon outflow from Asia.
• Statement-II explains why the contrast exists but not the direction claimed in Statement-I.
• Hence Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct, option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation…
- Statement-I is wrong: the contrast is greater in winter, not summer.
- (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct…
- Statement-I is wrong, so both cannot be correct.
- (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- It is Statement-I that is incorrect and Statement-II that is correct.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2023, held on 28 May 2023. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.