Discussion
Read the following statements and choose the correct answer :
(I) Maximum ocean salinity values occur in the subtropics and minimum values near the equator and the polar regions.
(II) The maximum salinity levels in the subtropics are produced by a strong excess of precipitation over evaporation.
Answer: B
(I) is correct but (II) is incorrect.
Statement I describes the observed pattern: surface salinity is highest (about 36 to 37) in the subtropical belts near 20 to 30 degrees of latitude, and lower near the equator and towards the poles.
Statement II gives the wrong cause. The subtropics lie under the descending air of the subtropical highs, with clear skies, strong sunshine and dry winds, so evaporation greatly exceeds precipitation, and it is this excess of evaporation that concentrates salt. An excess of precipitation is what lowers salinity at the equator, where heavy rain falls, and near the poles, where ice melts and rivers add fresh water.
Post your comment
Please log in or register to post a comment.
Examination Categories
- SSC Exams
- Banking Exams
- Teaching Exams
- Civil Services Exams
- Railways Exams
- Engineering Recruitment Exams
- Defence Exams
- State Government Exams
- Police Exams
- Insurance Exams
- Nursing Exams
- Other Government Exams
- NRA CET
- PG Entrance Exams
- Campus Placement
- MBA Entrance Exams
- CUET and UG Entrance
- Judiciary Exams
- Regulatory Body Exams
- Software Development