Final answer:
The statement that trade winds converge at the equator to form low-pressure systems is correct, with this convergence known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ). The Coriolis effect affects wind movement and storm system rotation, causing hurricanes to rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct statement regarding the global circulation of air on Earth is: The trade winds converge at the equator, resulting in the formation of low-pressure systems. This convergence is known as the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where the northeast and southeast trade winds meet, causing air to rise and create a band of clouds and precipitation around the equator. This process contributes to the formation of low-pressure areas.
The Coriolis effect plays a crucial role in the movement of air and the rotation of storm systems. The Coriolis effect deflects winds to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, causing hurricanes to rotate counterclockwise. Conversely, wind circulation around high-pressure zones in the Southern Hemisphere rotates clockwise due to the same effect.
It is also essential to note that while the Hadley cell is indeed responsible for the trade winds, it is not the mechanism behind the prevailing westerlies. Instead, the westerlies are a result of air movements associated with the Ferrel cell at mid-latitudes. Similarly, the Ferrel cell does not significantly impact the ITCZ formation.