Consider the following statements regarding the distribution and pattern of isotherms 1. In the northern hemisphere, isotherms bend sharply equator-ward over the continents during winter. 2. Temperature gradients are greater in summer than in winter in the northern hemisphere. Which of the statement(s) given above is/are correct? [IAS 2009]

• A. 1 only
• B. 2 only
• C. Both 1 and 2
• D. Neither 1 nor 2