Consider the following statements:
Statement I: In January, in the Northern Hemisphere, the isotherms bend equatorward while crossing the landmasses, and poleward while crossing the oceans.
Statement II: In January, the air over the oceans is warmer than that over the landmasses in the Northern Hemisphere.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

Correct Option: Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I

Both Statement I and Statement II are correct and Statement II explains Statement I. In January (winter in the Northern Hemisphere), landmasses cool down much more rapidly than oceans, making the air over land colder than the air over oceans. Due to this differential cooling, isotherms bend equatorward (southward) when crossing cold landmasses and poleward (northward) when crossing relatively warm oceans. Thus, Statement II is the direct physical cause explaining the bending patterns described in Statement I.