Idealized pressure belts and wind systems are significantly modified by Earth's tilted axis of rotation and:
A) differences in the heat capacity of ocean and land.
B) differences in the latitudinal albedo.
C) Ekman transport.
D) latitudinal variations in the Coriolis effect.
E) variations in incoming solar radiation over many years.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Earth's tilted axis of rotation causes latitudinal variations in the Coriolis effect, which significantly modify pressure belts and wind systems. The Coriolis effect causes air and water to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, and this deflection influences the direction of wind flow and ocean currents.

Idealized Pressure Belts and Wind Systems Are Significantly Modified by Earth's