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UPSC Prelims 2020 · World Geography · Oceans, Seas and Straits
With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct? Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C 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.
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Show the answer and explanation
Answer: (b) 2 only
Only the forecasting use of OMT is right.
Statement by statement
1. ✗ WRONG — the depth varies The 26°C isotherm is found at about 50–100 m in the south-western Indian Ocean in January–March; the fixed “129 m” figure is not right.
2. ✓ CORRECT IITM Pune showed that OMT in January–March predicts whether the monsoon will be above or below the long-term mean — better than sea-surface temperature.
Why the others are wrong
(a) Accepts the fixed 129 m depth.
(c) Accepts the 129 m depth.
(d) Rejects the monsoon-forecast use, which was the whole point of the research.
The trap
A precise number (129 m) makes a statement look authentic.
🔒 OMT = average temperature from the surface down to the 26°C isotherm; predicts the monsoon better than SST (IITM Pune).
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