GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -As these currents flow westward, the Coriolis effect-a force that results from the rotation of the Earth-deflects them. The currents then bend to the right, heading north. At about 30 degrees north latitude, a different set of winds, the westerlies, push the currents back to the east, producing a closed clockwise loop.

Detailed explanation-2: -Because of the Coriolis force, the major ocean currents in the northern hemisphere tend to spiral clockwise and they tend to spiral counter-clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

Detailed explanation-3: -As a result, ocean currents move clockwise (anticyclonically) in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise (cyclonically) in the Southern Hemisphere; Coriolis force deflects them about 45° from the wind direction, and at the Equator there would be no apparent horizontal deflection.

Detailed explanation-4: -Currents Tutorial Because the Earth rotates on its axis, circulating air is deflected toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and toward the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is called the Coriolis effect. Click the image for a larger view. Coastal currents are affected by local winds.

Detailed explanation-5: -Ocean currents move in clockwise direction in the northern hemisphere and in anticlockwise direction in the southern hemisphere. Hint: An ocean current is the constant, guided flow of sea water caused by a combination of wind, wave breaking forces, cables, and variations in temperature and salinity.