The Coriolis effect influences the direction of ocean and wind currents based on the hemisphere they are located in. In the Northern Hemisphere, moving from the equator towards the poles, the Coriolis effect deflects moving objects to the right.
However, at the equator itself, the Coriolis effect is very weak and essentially negligible. The significant effects of the Coriolis force begin to manifest as you move away from the equator.
Given this context, the correct answer within the options provided is that at the equator:
None of the options directly apply at the equator, but typically for ocean and wind currents in the Northern Hemisphere:
- To the right heading north (option 2) would be correct if considering movements away from the equator as the Coriolis effect becomes more significant.
But if strictly interpreting "at the equator," one should note that the Coriolis effect does not have a notable deflection at that specific location.