Which of the following is/are correct inference/inferences from isothermal maps in the month of January ? 1. The isotherms deviate to the north over the ocean and to the south over the continent. 2. The presence of cold ocean currents. Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift make the North Atlantic Ocean colder and the isotherms bend towards the north. Select the answer using the code given below :

1. A. 1 only
2. B. 2 only
3. C. Both 1 and 2
4. D. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct. In January, during the Northern Hemisphere winter, continents cool more rapidly than oceans. Consequently, isotherms (lines of equal temperature) tend to bend northward over the relatively warmer oceans and southward over the colder continents. Statement 2 is incorrect. The Gulf Stream and North Atlantic Drift are warm ocean currents. Their presence makes the North Atlantic Ocean warmer than adjacent landmasses in winter, causing the isotherms to bend northward over the ocean, not colder. Cold ocean currents would typically cause isotherms to bend southward. This question requires an understanding of the factors influencing temperature distribution and their representation on maps, a key aspect of climatology.