With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?
- OMT is measured up to a depth of 26ºC isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January-March.
- OMT collected during January-March can be used in assessing whether the amount of rainfall in monsoon will be less or more than a certain long-term mean.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2020 Prelims]
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (b)
Explanation:
- Statement 1 is incorrect because the depth for the 26-degree isotherm is between 50-100 meters, not 129 meters.
- On the other hand, Statement 2 is accurate as Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT) is considered a more reliable indicator of monsoon rainfall compared to Sea Surface Temperature (SST) since it measures the ocean’s thermal energy.
- Additionally, during January to March, the mean depth of the 26-degree isotherm in the Southwestern Indian Ocean is recorded to be 59 meters.
Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.
