Question

With reference to Ocean Mean Temperature (OMT), which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. OMT is measured up to a depth of 26°C isotherm which is 129 meters in the south-western Indian Ocean during January - March.

2. 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:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer 1

(b) 2 only

The depth for the 26-degree isotherm is 50-100 meters, not 129 meters.

Hence statement 1 is not correct.

During January-March, the mean 26 degrees isotherm depth in the Southwestern Indian Ocean is 59 meters.

Ocean mean temperature (OMT) is a better indicator of monsoon rainfall than sea surface temperature (SST) because it measures ocean thermal energy. 

Hence statement 2 is correct.