Question

What causes cyclones to rotate counter-clockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere?

the jet stream

the Coriolis Effect

prevailing winds

low pressure air moving upwards

Answer 1

Cyclones rotate counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere primarily due to the **Coriolis Effect**.

The Coriolis Effect is a result of the Earth's rotation, which causes moving air and water to turn and twist in certain directions. In the Northern Hemisphere, this causes moving air to veer to the right, leading to counter-clockwise rotation around a low-pressure center. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, the air veers to the left, resulting in a clockwise rotation around a low-pressure center.

While the jet stream, prevailing winds, and low pressure air moving upwards play important roles in the formation and characteristics of cyclones, it is the Coriolis Effect that primarily dictates the direction of their rotation.