Final answer:
The Coriolis effect causes surface winds to rotate in different directions in the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, leading to counterclockwise rotation of hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise rotation of tropical cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Coriolis effect is responsible for redirecting surface winds by causing them to rotate in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction depending on the hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects winds to the right, resulting in a counterclockwise rotation. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects winds to the left, leading to a clockwise rotation.
For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, hurricanes rotate counterclockwise due to the Coriolis force. Without this force, air would flow straight into a low-pressure zone, such as a tropical cyclone. However, the Coriolis force redirects the winds to the right, creating a counterclockwise rotation that is characteristic of hurricanes.
In summary, the Coriolis effect plays a crucial role in redirecting surface winds by causing them to rotate in specific directions depending on the hemisphere, resulting in the counterclockwise rotation of hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere and the clockwise rotation of tropical cyclones in the Southern Hemisphere.