Texas A&M University (TAMU) ATMO201 Weather and Climate Exam 2 Practice

The Coriolis effect arises from the rotation of the Earth and influences the direction of moving objects in the Northern Hemisphere. Specifically, this effect causes moving objects, such as air masses and ocean currents, to be deflected to the right of their direction of motion. This rightward deflection occurs because as an object moves, it retains the rotational speed of the Earth. Since the equator spins faster than regions closer to the poles, the Coriolis effect causes a subtle but significant shift.

In meteorology, this principle is crucial for understanding wind patterns, storm movements, and ocean currents. For instance, it explains why large weather systems, like hurricanes, rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere. The deflection to the right enhances the complexity of weather phenomena and helps in predicting storm paths and wind circulation.

The other options refer to directions that do not correctly align with the observed behavior of moving objects in the Northern Hemisphere under the influence of the Coriolis effect. Understanding this effect is fundamental for interpreting various atmospheric and oceanic processes.