Question

The Coriolis effect and prevailing winds contribute to the formation of gyres in the oceans. Which direction do these gyres flow in the northern hemisphere?

a) North to south
b) South to north
c) Clockwise
d) Counterclockwise
e) East to west

Answer 1

Option C: Gyres in the northern hemisphere flow in a clockwise direction, which is influenced by the Coriolis effect, causing winds to deflect to the right.

Step-by-step explanation:

The gyres in the northern hemisphere flow in a clockwise direction due to the Coriolis effect. The Coriolis effect deflects winds to the right in the northern hemisphere, contributing to this clockwise rotation. This force is a result of Earth's rotation and significantly impacts large-scale motion, such as ocean currents and wind patterns. Specifically, in the northern hemisphere, the rotation of weather systems like hurricanes is counterclockwise, due to the inward deflection of winds towards a low-pressure zone being shifted to the right by the Coriolis force. Conversely, in the southern hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects winds to the left, causing a clockwise rotation of weather systems.

The Coriolis force causes hurricanes in the northern hemisphere to rotate in the counterclockwise direction, while the tropical cyclones (what hurricanes are called below the equator) in the southern hemisphere rotate in the clockwise direction. The terms hurricane, typhoon, and tropical storm are regionally-specific names for tropical cyclones, storm systems characterized by low pressure centers, strong winds, and heavy rains. Figure 6.19 helps show how these rotations take place. Air flows toward any region of low pressure, and tropical cyclones contain particularly low pressures. Thus winds flow toward the center of a tropical cyclone or a low-pressure weather system at the surface.