In the Northern Hemisphere, which way is the wind deflected due to the Coriolis force?

Prepare for the Commercial Ground – Weather Exam with flashcards and multiple choice questions, featuring detailed hints and explanations for each question. Ace your exam with confidence!

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force causes wind to be deflected to the right of its path of motion. This phenomenon occurs due to the Earth's rotation. As the Earth spins from west to east, the surface moves faster at the equator than at the poles. When air moves from high-pressure areas to low-pressure areas, it does not travel in a straight line but curves to the right as a result of the Coriolis effect.

This rightward deflection is significant in meteorology as it influences wind patterns, ocean currents, and weather systems, leading to various phenomena such as cyclonic circulation. Understanding this mechanism is crucial for interpreting weather patterns and forecasting, as it helps explain the behavior of winds and the formation of systems like hurricanes, which rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere due to the Coriolis effect.

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