Question

Study this map.

A world map with all oceans, the Equator and points 1 through 4 labeled. 1: In the Arctic Ocean. 2: In the Southern Ocean between South America and Antarctica. 3: In the Indian Ocean near Africa. 4: In lower left of the map, below India.

At which point is ocean water the warmest?

1
2
3
4

Answer 1

3

Point 3 is in the tropical Indian Ocean near Africa — closest to the equator and in the warm tropical belt. Points 1 and 2 are polar/subpolar (very cold), and point 4 is farther from the equator than 3, so 3 will have the warmest surface water.