Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The annual range of temperature is significantly greater in the Northern Hemisphere than in the Southern Hemisphere at equivalent latitudes.
Statement 2: The Northern Hemisphere has a vastly larger proportion of landmass compared to the Southern Hemisphere, leading to intense differential heating and cooling.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The Northern Hemisphere really does show a larger annual temperature range than the Southern at the same latitudes, so Statement 1 is correct. The reason is exactly what Statement 2 says: the Northern Hemisphere holds far more land, and land heats and cools faster than the ocean-dominated Southern Hemisphere. Statement 2 is therefore the correct explanation.