Which hemisphere contains gyres that rotate clockwise?

Prepare for the Earth Science Test on Earth's Waters. Study with interactive flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and detailed explanations. Get ready to excel on your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which hemisphere contains gyres that rotate clockwise?

Explanation:
The Coriolis effect from Earth’s rotation shapes the direction of large-scale ocean circulation. In the Northern Hemisphere, moving water is deflected to the right, which makes surface currents circulate around a gyre in a clockwise sense. In contrast, in the Southern Hemisphere the deflection is to the left, giving a counterclockwise rotation. So gyres that rotate clockwise are found in the Northern Hemisphere.

The Coriolis effect from Earth’s rotation shapes the direction of large-scale ocean circulation. In the Northern Hemisphere, moving water is deflected to the right, which makes surface currents circulate around a gyre in a clockwise sense. In contrast, in the Southern Hemisphere the deflection is to the left, giving a counterclockwise rotation. So gyres that rotate clockwise are found in the Northern Hemisphere.

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