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?

1. A. (a) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. B. (b) Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement- II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. C. (c) Statement-I is correct but Statement- II is incorrect
4. D. (d) Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer: A

Explanation

Statement II is correct: Water has a much higher specific heat capacity than land. This means water requires more energy to heat up and cools down more slowly than land. Statement I is also correct: Due to water’s high specific heat, oceans moderate temperatures. In summer, land heats up much faster and to a higher degree than oceans, leading to a greater temperature contrast. In winter, land cools down much faster and to a lower degree than oceans, but the overall temperature difference between land and ocean is typically less pronounced than in summer. Statement II directly explains why Statement I is true, as the differential heating and cooling rates due to specific heat capacity cause the greater temperature contrast in summer. This question tests basic principles of physical geography, a fundamental part of UPSC Geography.