Which of the following statements with regard to Lake Maracaibo is/are correct? 1. Lake Maracaibo is a large brackish tidal bay connected to the Gulf of Venezuela via the Tablazo Strait. 2. The basin surrounding Lake Maracaibo is devoid of mineral resources, functioning as an agricultural marine reserve. Select the answer using the code given below: |ForumIAS

[A] 1 only

[B] 2 only

[C] Both 1 and 2

[D] Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: A

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct: Located in the Zulia state of Venezuela, Lake Maracaibo acts as a brackish inlet of the Caribbean Sea, joined to the Gulf of Venezuela through the narrow Tablazo Strait.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The Maracaibo Basin contains some of the largest crude oil reserves in the world, making it a primary economic engine and hydrocarbon production hub for Venezuela. (Additionally, it experiences the famous Catatumbo lightning phenomenon).