Where does this come from, and can I check it?

The Coriolis effect turns winds rightward in the northern hemisphere and leftward in the south. The figure is taken from NOAA, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.

Is this really a science fact?

Yes. It sits on the Science shelf, one of 1,090 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.

What else can I read about it?

The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.

Mondo Knows Facts

Earth rotation deflects moving air masses and ocean currents

The Coriolis effect turns winds rightward in the northern hemisphere and leftward in the south

Because Earth rotates fastest at the equator and slower near the poles, objects moving across latitudes experience an apparent sideways deflection known as the Coriolis effect. Winds moving north from the equator carry eastern rotational momentum, causing them to curve toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere. This rotation dictates global storm spinning directions.

Where this comes from

NOAA

Facts that can change over time are reviewed and updated. If something here looks wrong, Mondo would rather know than be confidently incorrect.

Go further

World Geography trivia Speed Calculator

More facts like this

Cumulonimbus cloud towers can reach twelve kilometres highPowerful convective updrafts push storm clouds into the lower stratosphere Heat from Earth core drives slow mantle convection currentsThermal convection of semi-solid rock beneath the crust drives planetary drift Dripping mineral water builds stalactites and stalagmites in cavesPrecipitated calcium carbonate forms hanging icicle structures and floor mounds Primary seismic waves travel faster through rock than secondary wavesCompressional P waves move through solid and liquid while shear S waves pass only through solid Dissolving bedrock creates sinkholes and underground drainage systemsChemical weathering of soluble rocks shapes distinctive karst landscapes The stratospheric ozone layer screens out harmful UV solar raysOzone gas concentrated fifteen to thirty kilometres up absorbs carcinogenic UV radiation

Tags: earth science, coriolis, weather

Earth rotation deflects moving air masses and ocean currents: the short answers

Where does this come from, and can I check it?: The Coriolis effect turns winds rightward in the northern hemisphere and leftward in the south. The figure is taken from NOAA, which is linked in full on this page. Every fact on Mondo Knows names its source rather than repeating an unsourced claim.
Is this really a science fact?: Yes. It sits on the Science shelf, one of 1,090 sourced facts grouped into space, animals, the human body, history, science and more. Category pages collect every fact in the same field.
What else can I read about it?: The links under the fact point to a quiz, game, puzzle or calculator on the same subject, and the shelf below shows related facts. The wording here is original, and quoted phrases are marked as quotations.