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Q88 (IAS/2021) Geography › World Physical Geography › Ocean water properties Official Key

Consider the following statements: 1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds. 2. 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?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: C
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 3 (Both 1 and 2). The temperature distribution of ocean waters is significantly influenced by prevailing wind systems and surface currents.

  • Statement 1 is correct: In the tropical zone, Trade Winds blow from east to west. These winds push the warm surface waters toward the western margins of the oceans (e.g., the western Pacific near Indonesia). Consequently, the eastern sections experience the upwelling of cold subsurface water to replace the displaced warm water, making the western sections significantly warmer.
  • Statement 2 is correct: In the temperate zone, the Westerlies blow from west to east. These winds carry relatively warmer water from the lower latitudes toward the eastern sections of the oceans (western coasts of continents like Europe). This phenomenon, combined with the poleward movement of warm currents, ensures that the eastern sections of oceans in temperate latitudes are warmer than their western counterparts.

Since both statements accurately describe the interaction between planetary winds and ocean temperature distribution, Option 3 is the right choice.

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Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following statements: 1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owin…
At a glance
Origin: Books + Current Affairs Fairness: Moderate fairness Books / CA: 7.5/10 · 2.5/10

This is a classic 'Mechanism over Fact' question. It doesn't ask you to name currents but to apply the physics of wind-driven circulation (Gyres). If you understood *why* the Gulf Stream exists (Trades pushing water west, Coriolis turning it north), this was a sitter. If you only memorized lists of warm/cold currents, Statement 2 was a trap.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
In the tropical zone, are the western sections of oceans warmer than the eastern sections (sea-surface temperature distribution)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 26: Tropical Cyclones > UPSC Mains 2014] Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? > p. 368
Presence: 5/5
“[UPSC Mains 2014] Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? Other ways to put this question: • Why does the northern hemisphere experience twice the number of tropical cyclones compared to the southern hemisphere?• The conditions favourable for tropical cyclone development are more prevalent in the Northern Hemisphere. Bring out the reasons.• The most favourable areas for tropical cyclogenesis are the vast tropical western part of the oceans of the northern hemisphere. Explain. (Tropical western ocean warm ocean currents; tropical eastern oceans cold ocean currents)”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly identifies the tropical western parts of oceans as warm and tropical eastern parts as cold.
  • Connects warm western tropical oceans to higher likelihood of tropical cyclone formation, implying a pronounced SST contrast.
Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > Possible Causes of El-Nino > p. 13
Presence: 4/5
“The appearance of El-Nino leads to a warm phase of the Pacific or negative SOI. Now, the ascending branch of the Walker Cell shifts to the central regions of the Pacific Ocean and the descending air branch to the south-eastern parts of the ocean (Fig. 4.12). As upwelling off the South American coast decreases, the sea surface temperature rises. This leads to weaker trade winds, less accumulation of warm water on the western half of the Pacific Ocean, weakening of the Equatorial under current, heavy rain and floods along the South American coast and poor monsoon or monsoon failure over the subcontinent.”
Why this source?
  • Describes the normal accumulation of warm water on the western half of the Pacific and how El Niño weakens that accumulation.
  • Explains that reduced upwelling off South America raises eastern SSTs only during El Niño, implying the default state is warmer in the west.
Statement 2
Are trade winds responsible for making western sections of tropical oceans warmer than their eastern sections?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 29: El Nino, La Nina & El Nino Modoki > 29.1. Normal Conditions > p. 412
Presence: 5/5
“• Warming and cooling of the Pacific Ocean is most important in terms of general atmospheric circulation. In a normal year, a surface low-pressure develops in the region of northern Australia and Indonesia and a high-pressure system over the coast of Peru. As a result, the trade winds over the Pacific Ocean move strongly from east to west.• The easterly flow of the trade winds carries warm surface waters westward, bringing convective storms (thunderstorms) to Indonesia and coastal Australia. Along the coast of Peru, cold bottom cold nutrient-rich water wells up to the surface to replace the warm water that is pulled to the west.• Normal Conditions: Warm water accumulation in Western Pacific and cold water upwelling in Eastern Pacific; Thunderstorms in equatorial western Pacific and calm conditions in equatorial eastern Pacific.”
Why this source?
  • Describes strong east-to-west trade winds over the Pacific that carry warm surface waters westward.
  • Explicitly links westward transport of warm water to accumulation of warm water in the western Pacific and cold upwelling in the east.
  • Directly connects trade-wind-driven surface flow to warmer western tropical ocean conditions.
Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > el nino (southern oscillation) and indian Monsoon > p. 53
Presence: 5/5
“Te heavy rainfall and associated heating of the atmosphere over this huge 'warm pool is the source of atmospheric heating. But the eastern equatorial Pacifc is normally colder than the western part mainly due to the infuence of Northeasterly Trade winds and the cold water current along the coast of Chile and the upwelling of the cold deep water of the coast of Peru. During the normal conditions, viz. in a Non El Nino year, the trade winds converge near the equator and the fow creates a warm surface current that moves from east to west along the equator. Tis results in the piling up of thick layer of warm surface water that produces higher sea levels (by about 40 cm) in the western Pacifc (Indonesia, etc.).”
Why this source?
  • States eastern equatorial Pacific is normally colder mainly due to northeasterly trade winds and coastal upwelling.
  • Explains that trade-wind-driven westward surface current piles up warm water in the western Pacific, producing higher sea levels there.
  • Links trade winds and upwelling to the east–west sea-surface temperature contrast.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 26: Tropical Cyclones > Why Do Tropical Cyclones Form Mostly on The Western Margins of The Oceans (Eastern Margins of The Continents)? > p. 355
Presence: 4/5
“• Because of warm ocean currents (easterly trade winds drag ocean waters towards west) that flow from the east towards west forming a thick layer of warm water with temperatures greater than 27°C.”
Why this source?
  • Explains easterly trade winds drag ocean waters westward, forming a thick layer of warm water (>27°C) on western margins.
  • Provides a mechanism by which trade winds produce warmer western tropical ocean sections, relevant to cyclone formation.
Statement 3
In the temperate zone, are the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections (sea-surface temperature distribution)?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 33: Ocean temperature and salinity > Explanation: > p. 516
Presence: 5/5
“• In the temperate zone, westerlies transfer the warm waters from the western sections of oceans to the eastern sections, thereby raising the temperature of the eastern sections. However, since the eastern sections of the oceans are dominated by cold currents, the temperature rise is not high enough to make them warmer than the western sections. That is, in the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warm but not warmer than the western sections (see the map of ocean temperature distribution). Hence the answer is (a) 1 only.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly describes westerlies moving warm water from western to eastern sections but then states eastern sections remain dominated by cold currents and are not warmer than western sections.
  • Directly answers the temperate-zone east–west SST comparison, concluding western sections are warmer.
FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 12: Water (Oceans) > Factors Affecting Temperature Distribution > p. 103
Presence: 4/5
“The factors which affect the distribution of temperature of ocean water are : • (i) Latitude : the temperature of surface water decreases from the equator towards the poles because the amount of insolation decreases poleward.• (ii) Unequal distribution of land and water : the oceans in the northern hemisphere receive more heat due to their contact with larger extent of land than the oceans in the southern hemisphere.• (iii) Prevailing wind : the winds blowing from the land towards the oceans drive warm surface water away form the coast resulting in the upwelling of cold water from below. It results into the longitudinal variation in the temperature.”
Why this source?
  • Explains how prevailing winds drive warm surface water away from coasts, causing upwelling of cold water and producing longitudinal (east–west) temperature differences.
  • Mechanism supports why eastern ocean sections can be cooler despite wind-driven transport.
Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 21: Horizontal Distribution of Temperature > Northern Hemisphere > p. 289
Presence: 4/5
“• During January, it is winter in the northern hemisphere & summer in the southern hemisphere.• The western margins of continents are warmer than their eastern counterparts since the Westerlies are able to carry high temperatures (from the oceans) into the landmasses.”
Why this source?
  • Notes western margins of continents are warmer than eastern counterparts because westerlies carry higher temperatures inland from the oceans.
  • Corroborates the pattern of warmer western sections relative to eastern sections in temperate regions.
Statement 4
Do the westerly winds (westerlies) cause the eastern sections of temperate-zone oceans to be warmer than the western sections?
Origin: Web / Current Affairs Fairness: CA heavy Web-answerable

Web source
Presence: 5/5
"Under normal conditions, the western Pacific is about 8°C warmer than the eastern Pacific, and this gradient contributes to the formation of clouds and precipitation in Australia, Indonesia, and parts of Africa."
Why this source?
  • Directly states that the western Pacific is substantially warmer than the eastern Pacific, contradicting the idea that eastern temperate oceans are warmer.
  • Provides an example of a consistent east–west temperature gradient with warmer western sections.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"In the temperate zones, where the winds blow toward the poles, the Coriolis force deflects them toward the east, with prevailing westerlies (blowing from west to east) transporting most weather patterns in these temperate climes. ... Ocean currents are driven by surface winds, Earth's rotation, and differences in salinity. Trade winds blow warm surface waters in tropical oceans and seas from east to west. Warm water pools along the west coast of continents, which"
Why this source?
  • Explains wind patterns in temperate zones (westerlies blow west to east) and that ocean currents are driven by surface winds.
  • Notes trade winds drive warm surface waters westward so warm water pools along the west coasts of continents, implying western sections are warmer rather than eastern ones.
Web source
Presence: 4/5
"recent studies proposed upwelling in the Southern Ocean driven by the westerly winds as the"
Why this source?
  • States that westerly winds in the Southern Ocean drive upwelling, which brings colder deep water to the surface rather than warming eastern sections.
  • Shows westerlies can cause cooling/upwelling, opposite to the claim that they make eastern sections warmer.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 33: Ocean temperature and salinity > Explanation: > p. 516
Strength: 5/5
“• In the temperate zone, westerlies transfer the warm waters from the western sections of oceans to the eastern sections, thereby raising the temperature of the eastern sections. However, since the eastern sections of the oceans are dominated by cold currents, the temperature rise is not high enough to make them warmer than the western sections. That is, in the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warm but not warmer than the western sections (see the map of ocean temperature distribution). Hence the answer is (a) 1 only.”
Why relevant

States a rule-like pattern: westerlies transfer warm waters from western to eastern sections but eastern sections are often dominated by cold currents so they are not necessarily warmer.

How to extend

A student could compare maps of prevailing westerlies, ocean current directions, and SSTs in temperate zones to see where westerlies-driven transport is overridden by cold boundary currents.

Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 12: The Oceans > The Movements of Ocean Currents > p. 109
Strength: 4/5
“For example, the North-East Trade Winds move the North Equatorial Current and its derivatives, the Florida Current and the Gulf Stream Drift to warm the southern and eastern coasts of the U.S.A. In the temperate latitudes blow the Westerlies. Though they are less reliable than the Trade Winds, they result in a north-easterly flow of water in the northern hemisphere, so that the warm Gulf Stream is driven to the western coast of Europe as the North Atlantic Drift. In a similar manner, the Westerlies of the southern hemisphere, drive the West Wind Fig. 12.6 Ocean currents of the world”
Why relevant

Gives an example of westerlies driving warm currents (Gulf Stream → North Atlantic Drift) that warm the western coasts of Europe (eastern side of the ocean basin).

How to extend

Use a world map to identify other temperate basins and check whether westerlies-driven currents deliver warm water toward the eastern ocean margin there as well.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 21: Horizontal Distribution of Temperature > Northern Hemisphere > p. 289
Strength: 4/5
“• During January, it is winter in the northern hemisphere & summer in the southern hemisphere.• The western margins of continents are warmer than their eastern counterparts since the Westerlies are able to carry high temperatures (from the oceans) into the landmasses.”
Why relevant

Asserts that western margins of continents are warmer than their eastern counterparts because westerlies carry maritime warmth onto western coasts.

How to extend

Compare SST and coastal climate data for western vs eastern continental margins in temperate latitudes to infer whether ocean sections adjacent to those margins are warmer or cooler.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 21: Horizontal Distribution of Temperature > Northern Hemisphere > p. 290
Strength: 4/5
“• The isotherms are closer on the eastern margins as the temperature gradient is high because of the less moderating effect of the oceans (westerlies flow from west to east).• The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean. For example, the presence of warm Gulf Stream and North Atlantic drift make the Northern Atlantic warmer and the isotherms show a poleward shift indicating that the currents are able to carry high temperatures poleward.• The isotherms deviate equatorward over the continents (due to continentality) as the cold polar winds are able to penetrate southwards into the interiors.• Lowest temperatures are recorded over northern Siberia and Greenland (due to continentality). • During July, it is summer in the northern hemisphere and winter in the southern hemisphere.”
Why relevant

Notes isotherm deviations due to warm currents (Gulf Stream) making the North Atlantic warmer and links westerlies to ocean temperature patterns.

How to extend

Overlay isotherm maps with westerly wind belts and known current pathways to test whether eastern ocean sections consistently show higher SSTs where warm currents and westerlies coincide.

Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > The Westerlies > p. 319
Strength: 3/5
“• The westerlies are the winds blowing from the sub-tropical high-pressure belts towards the sub-polar low-pressure belts. They blow from southwest to northeast in the northern hemisphere and northwest to southeast in the southern hemisphere. They produce wet spells and variability in weather.• The westerlies are best developed between 40° and 65° S latitudes. These latitudes are often called Roaring Forties, Furious Fifties, and Shrieking Sixties – dreaded terms for sailors. The poleward boundary of the westerlies is highly fluctuating.• The westerlies of the southern hemisphere are stronger and persistent due to the vast expanse of water, while those of the northern hemisphere are irregular because of uneven relief of vast land masses.”
Why relevant

Defines the westerlies' typical latitude, direction and differing hemispheric strength—useful for locating where their influence on ocean surface transport is strongest.

How to extend

Identify the 40–65° belts on a global map and then examine SST/currents within those latitudes to judge westerlies' potential impact on east–west SST contrasts.

Pattern takeaway: UPSC has shifted from 'What' (Which current is warm?) to 'Why' (Physics of circulation). They test if you understand that Ocean Circulation is essentially a redistribution of heat driven by atmospheric circulation.
How you should have studied
  1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly solvable from PMF IAS (Ch 33) or NCERT Fundamentals (Ch 12). No current affairs needed, just static conceptual clarity.
  2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: Physical Geography > Oceanography > The relationship between Planetary Winds (Trades/Westerlies) and Ocean Gyres.
  3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize the Gyre Quadrants: 1) Tropical West (Warmest, Pile-up, Cyclones); 2) Tropical East (Cold, Upwelling, Deserts/Fish); 3) Temperate West (Warm Boundary Currents like Gulf Stream/Kuroshio); 4) Temperate East (Cold Boundary Currents like Canary/California).
  4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Stop memorizing currents as isolated facts. Overlay the 'Global Wind Map' on the 'Ocean Current Map' in your mind. The wind is the engine; the current is the wheel. If the wind blows West, water piles up West (Warm). If wind blows East (Westerlies), it drags water East, but the *source* of that water determines the temp (Western boundary currents are warm because they come from the equator).
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Trade winds and westward warm-water pile-up
💡 The insight

Trade winds drive surface waters westward across the tropics, producing warmer western ocean sections and cooler eastern upwelling zones.

High-yield for questions on SST patterns, monsoon dynamics, and tropical cyclone genesis. Connects atmospheric circulation (trade winds) with oceanic SST gradients and their climatic impacts. Enables answers explaining spatial SST contrasts and consequences for regional weather.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 26: Tropical Cyclones > UPSC Mains 2014] Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? > p. 368
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > Possible Causes of El-Nino > p. 13
🔗 Anchor: "In the tropical zone, are the western sections of oceans warmer than the eastern..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and SST redistribution
💡 The insight

ENSO phases shift the usual west–east SST gradient in the tropical Pacific by altering upwelling and the accumulation of warm water.

Crucial for questions on interannual climate variability, effects on monsoons and fisheries, and exceptions to typical SST patterns. Helps explain why eastern tropical oceans can become anomalously warm during El Niño events.

📚 Reading List :
  • Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 4: Climate of India > Possible Causes of El-Nino > p. 13
🔗 Anchor: "In the tropical zone, are the western sections of oceans warmer than the eastern..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Thermocline and surface-dominated SSTs
💡 The insight

Sea-surface temperature is controlled at the top layer, with a thermocline below where temperature drops rapidly, so surface processes (winds, upwelling) create horizontal SST contrasts.

Useful for linking vertical ocean structure to surface temperature patterns and upwelling-driven cooling. Important for explaining why eastern tropical upwelling yields cooler surface waters despite subsurface warmth.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 33: Ocean temperature and salinity > Thermocline > p. 513
🔗 Anchor: "In the tropical zone, are the western sections of oceans warmer than the eastern..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Trade winds drive westward equatorial surface currents
💡 The insight

Easterly trade winds push warm surface water from east to west along the equator, producing warmer western tropical ocean pools.

High-yield for questions on ocean temperature gradients, El Niño/La Niña, and monsoon links; connects wind systems to ocean currents and regional climate impacts, enabling causation-type answers on why one ocean margin is warmer than another.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 29: El Nino, La Nina & El Nino Modoki > 29.1. Normal Conditions > p. 412
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 26: Tropical Cyclones > Why Do Tropical Cyclones Form Mostly on The Western Margins of The Oceans (Eastern Margins of The Continents)? > p. 355
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > el nino (southern oscillation) and indian Monsoon > p. 53
🔗 Anchor: "Are trade winds responsible for making western sections of tropical oceans warme..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Upwelling cools eastern tropical ocean margins
💡 The insight

Persistent trade winds encourage upwelling along eastern coasts, bringing cold deep water to the surface and cooling eastern ocean sections.

Important for questions on coastal climate, fisheries and El Niño impacts; links physical oceanography (upwelling) to biological and climatic consequences and helps explain spatial SST contrasts.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > el nino (southern oscillation) and indian Monsoon > p. 53
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 29: El Nino, La Nina & El Nino Modoki > 29.1. Normal Conditions > p. 412
🔗 Anchor: "Are trade winds responsible for making western sections of tropical oceans warme..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Warm-pool formation and sea-level rise in western tropics
💡 The insight

Wind-driven piling up of warm water in the western tropical ocean creates a warm pool and raised sea levels relative to the east.

Useful for explaining atmospheric convection patterns, monsoon variability and regional climate phenomena; helps answer integrated questions on ocean–atmosphere interaction and extremes like tropical cyclones.

📚 Reading List :
  • Environment and Ecology, Majid Hussain (Access publishing 3rd ed.) > Chapter 8: Natural Hazards and Disaster Management > el nino (southern oscillation) and indian Monsoon > p. 53
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 29: El Nino, La Nina & El Nino Modoki > 29.1. Normal Conditions > p. 412
🔗 Anchor: "Are trade winds responsible for making western sections of tropical oceans warme..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Westerlies and longitudinal SST asymmetry
💡 The insight

Westerly winds transport warmth from western to eastern ocean sections but do not always make eastern sections warmer than western ones.

High-yield for questions on ocean–atmosphere interactions and regional climate; links wind systems to surface temperature patterns and coastal climate contrasts. Mastering this enables explanation of east–west SST differences and land–sea temperature contrasts.

📚 Reading List :
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 33: Ocean temperature and salinity > Explanation: > p. 516
  • Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 21: Horizontal Distribution of Temperature > Northern Hemisphere > p. 289
🔗 Anchor: "In the temperate zone, are the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the wester..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

Western Intensification: Since the question covered East vs West temps, the next logical step is 'Why are Western Boundary Currents (Gulf Stream, Kuroshio) faster, deeper, and narrower than Eastern Boundary Currents (Canary, California)?' (Answer: Variation of Coriolis force with latitude).

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Source of Flow' Heuristic: Visualize any ocean basin (e.g., Atlantic). In the Temperate zone (30°-60°), the Gyre rotates clockwise. The water on the Western side (US Coast) flows from the Equator -> HOT. The water on the Eastern side (Europe/Africa) flows from the Pole -> COLD. Therefore, West > East. Statement 2 claims East > West. False. Eliminate.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-1 & GS-3 (Environment/Economy): The 'Warm Pool' in the Western Tropical Oceans (Statement 1) is the engine for the Indian Monsoon. Any disruption here (like El Niño shifting the warm pool East) directly impacts India's GDP (Agriculture) and Inflation.

✓ Thank you! We'll review this.

SIMILAR QUESTIONS

IAS · 2009 · Q51 Relevance score: 4.95

Consider the following statements : 1. In the world, the tropical deserts occur along the western margins of continents within the trade wind belt. 2. In India, the East Himalayan region gets high rainfall from north-east winds. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

IAS · 2015 · Q66 Relevance score: 4.14

Consider the following statements : 1. The winds which blow between 30° N and 60° S latitudes throughout the year are known as westerlies. 2. The moist air masses that cause winter rains in North-Western region of India are part of westerlies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2025 · Q27 Relevance score: 3.82

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?

CDS-II · 2024 · Q81 Relevance score: 3.48

Consider the following statements: 1. Ocean currents are dominated by huge surface gyres that are driven by the global surface wind pattern. 2. Equatorial currents move cold water westward and then poleward along the east coasts of continents. With regard to the statements given above, which of the following is correct?

IAS · 2010 · Q19 Relevance score: 3.17

Consider the following statements : 1. Biodiversity hotspots are located only in tropical regions. 2. India has four biodiversity hotspots i.e., Eastern Himalayas, Western Himalayas, Western Ghats and Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?