In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects moving air to which direction?

• A. Left
• B. Right
• C. Downward
• D. Upward

Answer: (B)

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects moving air to the right due to the rotation of the Earth. This phenomenon occurs because as air moves across the surface of the rotating planet, it experiences a change in velocity relative to Earth's rotation. The Coriolis effect is a result of this rotation, causing air parcels moving northward to turn east, and those moving southward to turn west.

For example, as air moves from high to low-pressure areas, the deflection causes wind patterns to spiral in a clockwise direction around high-pressure systems and counterclockwise around low-pressure systems. This is crucial for understanding weather patterns, storm systems, and atmospheric circulation plays an essential role in aviation, influencing flight paths and forecasting.

The other options do not accurately describe the behavior of moving air in the context of the Coriolis effect.