Consider the following statements:
1. The annual range of temperature is greater in the Pacific Ocean than that in the Atlantic Ocean.
2. The annual range of temperature is greater in the Northern Hemisphere than that in the Southern Hemisphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A
1 only
B
2 only
C
Both 1 and 2
D
Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. Statement 1 is incorrect. The Atlantic Ocean generally experiences a slightly greater annual range of temperature than the Pacific Ocean, partly due to its smaller size relative to surrounding landmasses and different current patterns.
2. Statement 2 is correct. The Northern Hemisphere has a much larger proportion of land compared to the Southern Hemisphere, which is dominated by oceans. Land heats up and cools down more quickly than water, leading to greater temperature extremes and thus a greater annual range of temperature in the Northern Hemisphere compared to the Southern Hemisphere.