How does the Coriolis effect influence wind patterns?

The Coriolis effect is a fundamental concept in meteorology that describes how the rotation of the Earth influences the direction of wind patterns. In the Northern Hemisphere, this effect causes winds to deflect to the right of their path of motion, while in the Southern Hemisphere, the deflection is to the left. This phenomenon occurs because of the rotation of the Earth, which causes different points on the surface to move at different speeds depending on their latitude.

At the equator, the speed is greatest due to the larger circumference of the Earth, while nearer to the poles, the rotational speed decreases. As air moves from areas of high pressure to low pressure, the Coriolis effect alters the trajectory of the wind, leading to the characteristic curved paths observed in global wind systems. This results in the formation of trade winds, westerlies, and polar easterlies, which are essential for understanding weather patterns and systems around the globe.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the influence of the Coriolis effect on wind patterns.