Question

questions 9 and 10 refer to the following. a model of prevailing wind patterns around the world is shown in the diagram below. 10 mark for review which of the following is the best explanation for the deflection of the trade winds in both hemispheres, as seen in the diagram above? a the wind is deflected east because of varying landmasses at the latitudes. b the wind is deflected east because of the waves in the ocean. c the wind is deflected west because of the mountains that the air encounters as the wind moves north or south. d the wind is deflected west because of earths rotation.

Explanation:

The deflection of trade - winds in both hemispheres is due to the Coriolis effect, which is caused by Earth's rotation. As air moves from high - pressure to low - pressure areas, the rotation of the Earth causes the wind to be deflected. In the Northern Hemisphere, winds are deflected to the right (east), and in the Southern Hemisphere, winds are deflected to the left (east when considering the general wind - flow direction). Mountains, ocean waves, and landmasses do not primarily cause the deflection of trade winds.

Answer:

A. The wind is deflected east because of Earth's rotation.