Hurricanes in the North Atlantic Ocean initially go from East to West due to the prevailing winds, the Trade Winds. Why do they then turn Northward?
A) The Coriolis effect deflects their motion northward.
B) Water temperatures push them towards colder water.
C) The Gulf Stream (ocean) current pushes them to the north.
D) Winds blowing from North America keep them from moving onto land.
E) The Trade Winds stop blowing once they reach North America.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The Coriolis effect, caused by the rotation of the Earth, deflects the motion of moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, hurricanes in the North Atlantic are deflected to the right, which causes them to turn northward.

Hurricanes in the North Atlantic Ocean Initially Go from East