Final answer:
The Coriolis effect is an invisible force that makes big things like water currents curve because of the Earth's spin, affecting weather patterns and heat distribution around the globe.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Coriolis effect is like an invisible force that happens because the Earth is spinning. When things like water currents or air move straight, they seem to curve because Earth is turning underneath them. This doesn't matter much for small, quick moves, but for big, slow things like ocean streams or weather patterns, it makes a big difference. In the Northern Hemisphere, it makes things turn to the right, and in the Southern Hemisphere, it makes them turn left.
When we look at massive moves in the atmosphere and the oceans, such as the paths hurricanes take, or the way ocean currents flow, we can see the Coriolis effect in action. It also means that heat gets spread more evenly around the planet as these big air and water movements help to mix everything up.