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 metres 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 using the code given below:
✓ Correct answer: b) 2 only
ExplanationOcean Mean Temperature (OMT) represents the ther- mal energy in the upper layer of the ocean.It is measured up to the 26°C isotherm, which represents the depth where water temperature is consistently 26°C.OMT is a more reliable indi- cator than Sea Surface Temperature (SST) for predicting the Indian monsoon rainfall, as it reflects the ocean’s thermal energy more comprehensively.Statement 1 is incorrect : OMT is measured up to the 26°C iso- therm.In the southwestern Indian Ocean during January–March, the depth of the 26°C isotherm is approximately 59 meters, not 129 meters.Statement 2 is correct : OMT, especially during the Janu- ary-March period (pre-monsoon season) has been found to be a useful indicator for forecasting the Indian Summer Monsoon rainfall.Warmer OMT in this period can suggest a stronger monsoon and potentially higher rainfall, while cooler OMT may indicate a weaker monsoon.This is because the ocean’s temperature influences the amount of moisture available for the monsoon winds.Studies by the Indian Institute of Tropical Mete- orology (IITM) and other scienti
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