Question

Q. Which of the following factors affect the temperature distribution of ocean waters?

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

• A. 1, 2, and 3 only
• B. 1 and 4 only
• C. 2 and 3 only
• D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer 1

The correct option is D 1, 2, 3 and 4

Explanation:

The factors which affect the distribution of temperature of ocean water are:

1. Latitude: The temperature of surface water decreases from the equator towards the poles because the amount of insolation decreases poleward.
2. Unequal distribution of land and water: The oceans in the northern hemisphere receive more heat due to their contact with a larger extent of land than the oceans in the southern hemisphere.
3. Prevailing winds: The winds blowing from the land towards the oceans drive warm surface water away from the coast resulting in the upwelling of cold water from below. It results in the longitudinal variation in the temperature. Contrary to this, the onshore winds pile up warm water near the coast and this raises the temperature.
4. Ocean currents: Warm ocean currents raise the temperature in cold areas while cold currents decrease the temperature in warm ocean areas. For example, the Gulf stream (warm current) raises the temperature near the eastern coast of North America and the West Coast of Europe while the Labrador current (cold current) lowers the temperature near the northeast coast of North America.