Question

the vortex of clouds and dust rotates in a direction dictated by the earth’s rotation. source: the guardian in the sentence above, vortex has the same or almost the same meaning as: swirl spread mess knot

Explanation:

"Vortex" refers to a mass of fluid (such as clouds and dust here) moving in a circular or spiral motion. "Swirl" also means to move in a twisting or spiraling motion. "Spread" means to extend over an area, "mess" refers to a disordered state, and "knot" is a tied - up mass. So "vortex" and "swirl" are most similar in meaning.

Answer:

A. swirl