Western vs eastern ocean warmth in tropical and temperate zones — UPSC...

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?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation

Both statements are correct

• In the tropical zone, the Northeast Trade Winds in the Northern Hemisphere push warm water westward, leading to warmer conditions in the western sections of the ocean compared to the eastern sections. Similarly, in the temperate zone, the Westerlies transport warm equatorial waters towards the western coasts of continents, which correspond to the eastern sections of the oceans. This results in the eastern sections being warmer than the western sections.

Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2; Difficulty Level: Medium