Consider the following statements: 1. In the tropical zone, the western sections of the oceans are warmer than the eastern sections owing to the influence of trade winds. 2. In the temperate zone, westerlies make the eastern sections of oceans warmer than the western sections. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

The correct answer is Option 3 (Both 1 and 2). The temperature distribution of ocean waters is significantly influenced by prevailing wind systems and surface currents.

• Statement 1 is correct: In the tropical zone, Trade Winds blow from east to west. These winds push the warm surface waters toward the western margins of the oceans (e.g., the western Pacific near Indonesia). Consequently, the eastern sections experience the upwelling of cold subsurface water to replace the displaced warm water, making the western sections significantly warmer.
• Statement 2 is correct: In the temperate zone, the Westerlies blow from west to east. These winds carry relatively warmer water from the lower latitudes toward the eastern sections of the oceans (western coasts of continents like Europe). This phenomenon, combined with the poleward movement of warm currents, ensures that the eastern sections of oceans in temperate latitudes are warmer than their western counterparts.

Since both statements accurately describe the interaction between planetary winds and ocean temperature distribution, Option 3 is the right choice.