Why do hurricanes spin?
Show answer & explanation
Answer: Coriolis effect from rotation
Coriolis effect from rotation ✓ — Correct! Coriolis force rotation! Hurricanes spin due to Earth's rotation: (1) Air rushes toward low pressure center. (2) Coriolis effect—Earth's rotation deflects moving air (right in Northern Hemisphere, left in Southern). (3) Creates spiral pattern instead of straight inflow. (4) Conservation of angular momentum—spin accelerates approaching center. Northern Hemisphere: counterclockwise. Southern: clockwise. Need 5°+ latitude (weak Coriolis at equator). Eye: calm center where air descends. Eyewall: fastest winds. Can't form at equator—no Coriolis deflection!
Moon's gravity pulls storms — Wrong. Moon's gravity affects tides, not hurricane rotation. Spinning from Coriolis effect—Earth's rotation deflects air toward low pressure.
Wind patterns push hurricanes — Wrong. Wind convergence is necessary, but Coriolis effect creates the rotation—Earth's spin deflects air into spiral pattern.
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