In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects moving air to which side of the motion?

• A. Right
• B. Left
• C. Up
• D. Down

Answer: (B)

In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force acts to deflect moving air to the left of its direction of motion. This deflection occurs due to the Earth's rotation, which affects the movement of air and water. As air moves, the rotation of the Earth causes it to veer off to the left rather than moving in a straight line.

This phenomenon is crucial in meteorology, as it influences wind patterns and the rotation of weather systems. For instance, in cyclonic systems, the deflection to the left leads to counterclockwise circulation around low-pressure areas in the Southern Hemisphere. Understanding the Coriolis effect is essential for predicting weather patterns and for pilots navigating through various atmospheric conditions.