What causes the Coriolis effect in moving air?

The Coriolis effect is a result of the Earth's rotation and is most directly influenced by the movement of air across different latitudes. As air moves from high to low-pressure areas, it does not flow in a straight line due to the rotation of the Earth beneath it. Instead, the path of the moving air is deflected. In the Northern Hemisphere, this deflection is to the right of the motion, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is to the left. This deflection is stronger at higher latitudes and diminishes closer to the equator, which is why the latitude of the moving air is a critical factor in determining the degree of the Coriolis effect.

Understanding this concept is crucial in meteorology, as it helps explain wind patterns, ocean currents, and the formation of weather systems. The Coriolis effect is essential for predicting how air will behave as it moves, impacting everything from local breezes to global circulation patterns.