GEOLOGY

Detailed explanation-1: -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-2: -Surface currents in the ocean are driven by global wind systems that are fueled by energy from the Sun. Patterns of surface currents are determined by wind direction, Coriolis forces from the Earth’s rotation, and the position of landforms that interact with the currents.

Detailed explanation-3: -The force of the wind pushing on the water results in what are known as surface currents. The global winds that drive surface currents are affected by a number of things, one of which is the rotation of the Earth. The Earth’s rotation causes the ocean currents to turn in a process known as the Coriolis effect .

Detailed explanation-4: -The winds pull surface water with them, creating currents. 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.

Detailed explanation-5: -The Coriolis effect is responsible for many large-scale weather patterns. The key to the Coriolis effect lies in Earth’s rotation. Specifically, Earth rotates faster at the Equator than it does at the poles.