Question

The spin of Earth creates the Coriolis effect. This effect causes which current patterns to occur? Check all that apply.

Surface ocean water in the Northern Hemisphere moves clockwise.
Surface ocean water in the Southern Hemisphere moves clockwise.
Surface ocean water in the Northern Hemisphere moves counterclockwise.
Surface ocean water in the Southern Hemisphere moves counterclockwise.
Surface ocean water moves clockwise in both hemispheres.
Surface ocean water moves counterclockwise in both hemispheres.

Answer 1

Correct answers:
- Surface ocean water in the Northern Hemisphere moves clockwise.
- Surface ocean water in the Southern Hemisphere moves counterclockwise.

Explanation: The Coriolis effect deflects moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, producing large-scale clockwise gyres in the north and counterclockwise gyres in the south (on basin scales; small/local flows may differ).