METRO (Meteorology) – VT-10 Primary Practice Test

How does the Coriolis effect influence mid-latitude cyclone tracks?

Deflects moving air to the left in the Northern Hemisphere, causing cyclones to rotate clockwise. Deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, causing cyclones to rotate counterclockwise and steer along polar-front trajectories. Only affects wind speed, not direction. Has no influence on cyclone tracks.

Correct Answer:

Deflects moving air to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, causing cyclones to rotate counterclockwise and steer along polar-front trajectories.

Explanation:

The Coriolis effect causes moving air to bend to the right in the Northern Hemisphere. This rightward deflection around a low-pressure center makes mid-latitude cyclones rotate counterclockwise and, at the same time, steers their overall path to follow the prevailing westerly flow along the polar front. In practice, that means these storms tend to move from west to east, often traversing a southwest-to-northeast track as they ride the jet stream. The curvature is a direct result of the Coriolis deflection; near the equator the effect is weak, and in the Southern Hemisphere the deflection is to the left, producing clockwise rotation.

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