A high-altitude wind system traveling south from the Equator toward the South Pole would:
A) not be affected by the Earth's spin because only surface winds are deflected.
B) be deflected to the west by the Earth's spin.
C) be deflected to the east by the Earth's spin.
D) be accelerated southward by the Earth's spin.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high-altitude wind system traveling southward from the Equator will be deflected to the east by the Coriolis effect, which is caused by the Earth's spin. This effect applies to all moving objects, including air masses and ocean currents, regardless of their altitude or location. Therefore, option C is the correct answer. Option A is incorrect because all winds, including those at high altitudes, experience the Coriolis effect. Option B is incorrect because winds traveling towards the South Pole will be deflected to the east, not the west. Option D is incorrect because the Earth's spin does not accelerate winds; rather, it affects their direction.

A High-Altitude Wind System Traveling South from the Equator Toward