Final answer:
The Coriolis effect refers to the apparent deflection of moving objects, such as air currents, due to Earth's rotation. It is responsible for the counterclockwise rotation of hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere and the clockwise rotation in the Southern Hemisphere. c) Deflection of moving objects is correct option.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Coriolis effect describes the deflection of moving objects when viewed in a rotating frame of reference, such as Earth's rotation. The correct answer to the question is c) Deflection of moving objects. The Coriolis force is particularly relevant to large-scale atmospheric motions and ocean currents.
For example, it causes hurricanes in the Northern Hemisphere to rotate counterclockwise and those in the Southern Hemisphere to rotate clockwise.
One way to visualize the Coriolis effect is by imagining air moving towards a low-pressure zone like that found in tropical cyclones. Without the Coriolis force, the air would flow directly into the low-pressure zone.
However, because of the Coriolis force, the air is deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, leading to a counterclockwise spiral, and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, resulting in a clockwise spiral.