Question

In what direction does the coriolis effect deflect ocean and wind currents in the northern hemisphere at the equator?

A) Eastward
B) Westward
C) Northward
D) Southward

Answer 1

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects currents to the right, which would seem like an eastward deflection. However, at the equator itself, the Coriolis effect is zero, so there is no deflection of wind and ocean currents due to this effect at that specific latitude.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Coriolis effect causes wind and ocean currents to deflect a certain direction due to Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes these currents to deflect to the right. Therefore, in relation to the direction of earth's rotation and the original path of the wind or water, this would manifest as an eastward deflection at the equator. However, since the question specifically asks for the direction of deflection at the equator in the Northern Hemisphere, it is important to clarify that the Coriolis effect is actually zero at the equator itself. It only becomes a notable force as one moves away from the equator towards higher latitudes. So, technically, there isn't a deflection due to the Coriolis effect right at the equator; the currents would tend to move straight without any lateral deflection.