Multiple choice

Assertion (A): Oceanic salinity is higher along Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn. Reason (R): Increased evaporation coupled with relatively more insolation along these latitudes causes higher oceanic salinity.

  1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).

  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).

  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.

  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

 On an average, salinity decreases from equator towards the poles. It may be mentioned that the highest salinity is seldom recorded near the equator; though this zone records high temperature and evaporation but high rainfall reduces the relative portion of salt. Thus, the equator accounts for only 35% salinity. The highest salinity is observed between 20°- 40° N 36% because this zone is characterized by high temperature, high evaporation but significantly low rainfall.

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