Consider the following statements regarding the temperature of enclosed seas: 1. Enclosed seas in low latitudes record lower temperatures than open seas. 2. Enclosed seas in high latitudes record lower temperatures than open seas. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct option is 2 only. Explanation The temperature of enclosed seas is significantly influenced by the thermal properties of the surrounding landmasses. Due to the differential heating and cooling of land and water, enclosed water bodies exhibit different thermal behaviors compared to the open ocean depending on the latitude. Statement-wise Analysis: - Statement 1 is Incorrect: In low latitudes, the surrounding landmasses absorb intense solar radiation and heat up rapidly. This heat is transferred to the adjacent enclosed water bodies. Consequently, enclosed seas in low latitudes (e.g., the Red Sea) generally record higher temperatures than the open ocean, where heat is distributed more effectively through mixing and currents. - Statement 2 is Correct: In high latitudes, landmasses lose heat quickly and become much colder than the water. This cooling effect influences the enclosed seas. Therefore, enclosed seas in high latitudes (e.g., the Baltic Sea) generally record lower temperatures than the open ocean, which retains heat for longer periods. Key Takeaway: Enclosed seas function similarly to landmasses regarding thermal inertia; they are warmer than the open ocean in low latitudes and colder than the open ocean in high latitudes.

NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 1: Water (Oceans)

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Consider the following statements regarding the temperature of enclosed seas:

Enclosed seas in low latitudes record lower temperatures than open seas.
Enclosed seas in high latitudes record lower temperatures than open seas.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ABoth 1 and 2
BNeither 1 nor 2
C1 only
D2 only

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

The temperature of enclosed seas is significantly influenced by the thermal properties of the surrounding landmasses. Due to the differential heating and cooling of land and water, enclosed water bodies exhibit different thermal behaviors compared to the open ocean depending on the latitude.

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: In low latitudes, the surrounding landmasses absorb intense solar radiation and heat up rapidly. This heat is transferred to the adjacent enclosed water bodies. Consequently, enclosed seas in low latitudes (e.g., the Red Sea) generally record higher temperatures than the open ocean, where heat is distributed more effectively through mixing and currents.
Statement 2 is Correct: In high latitudes, landmasses lose heat quickly and become much colder than the water. This cooling effect influences the enclosed seas. Therefore, enclosed seas in high latitudes (e.g., the Baltic Sea) generally record lower temperatures than the open ocean, which retains heat for longer periods.

Key Takeaway:
Enclosed seas function similarly to landmasses regarding thermal inertia; they are warmer than the open ocean in low latitudes and colder than the open ocean in high latitudes.

Your note

More from Chapter 1: Water (Oceans)

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Which one of the following sequences correctly arranges the major divisions of the ocean floor from the coast towards the deep sea?

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The correct option is 2 only.

Explanation

Statement-wise Analysis:

Statement 1 is Incorrect: In low latitudes, the surrounding landmasses absorb intense solar radiation and heat up rapidly. This heat is transferred to the adjacent enclosed water bodies. Consequently, enclosed seas in low latitudes (e.g., the Red Sea) generally record higher temperatures than the open ocean, where heat is distributed more effectively through mixing and currents.
Statement 2 is Correct: In high latitudes, landmasses lose heat quickly and become much colder than the water. This cooling effect influences the enclosed seas. Therefore, enclosed seas in high latitudes (e.g., the Baltic Sea) generally record lower temperatures than the open ocean, which retains heat for longer periods.

Key Takeaway:
Enclosed seas function similarly to landmasses regarding thermal inertia; they are warmer than the open ocean in low latitudes and colder than the open ocean in high latitudes.