In which direction is the wind deflected in the Northern Hemisphere?

Study for the Commercial Lighter‑Than‑Air (LTA) Test. Prepare with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question includes hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

In the Northern Hemisphere, the wind is deflected to the right due to the Coriolis effect. This phenomenon occurs because the Earth rotates on its axis from west to east. As air moves across the surface of the Earth, it tends to be influenced by the rotation, causing moving air masses to veer to the right.

For instance, when a wind blows from high pressure to low pressure, it doesn't travel directly in a straight line; instead, its path curves to the right. This deflection impacts weather patterns and ocean currents, playing a significant role in meteorology and navigational practices.

In contrast, the deflection of the wind in the Southern Hemisphere occurs to the left due to the same effect acting in the opposite direction. The option mentioning upwards or downwards does not pertain to the lateral movement of wind influenced by Earth's rotation, which is solely governed by the Coriolis effect in the context of this question.

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