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?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2021 Prelims]

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

• Trade winds are known for picking up moisture when they move over warm tropical waters, resulting in heavy rainfall on the windward facing slopes of mountains, while dry air creates desert areas on land.
• The western section of oceans in the tropical zone tends to be warmer, making statement 1 correct. Similarly, in the temperate zones, the eastern sections of oceans are warmer, which is why statement 2 is correct.

Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer.