what effect does the earth spinning on its axis have on winds and currents?
a. global winds will move along a straight path and will have no effect on ocean currents
b. the moon’s gravitational pull on the earth is increased, causing water to move up the coast
c. the density of the water is increased causing the water to sink, forming deep ocean currents
d. global winds will move along a curved path and therefore cause ocean currents to curve
d. global winds will move along a curved path and therefore cause ocean currents to curve
The correct answer is d. Global winds will move along a curved path and therefore cause ocean currents to curve.
The rotation of the Earth on its axis causes the Coriolis effect, which is the apparent deflection in the path of moving objects (such as air and water) due to the rotation. This effect influences the movement of winds and ocean currents.
As the Earth spins, the Coriolis effect causes global winds to be deflected towards the right in the Northern Hemisphere and towards the left in the Southern Hemisphere. These deflections push the air masses, creating curved paths known as the global wind belts.
Ocean currents are influenced by the prevailing winds. The curved paths of the winds lead to the formation of curved ocean surface currents known as gyres. The combination of the Coriolis effect and the winds' movement directly affects the direction and circulation patterns of the ocean currents.