Question

The directions of the South Pacific Subtropical Gyre and the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre are ________________ and ________________, respectively.

• A. clockwise; counter-clockwise
• B. counter-clockwise; clockwise
• C. clockwise; clockwise
• D. counter-clockwise; counter-clockwise

Hint:

Remember: Subtropical gyres rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere due to Coriolis and trade–westerlies wind patterns.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

The question addresses the rotational directions of two specific oceanic gyres. To understand this, we need a brief explanation of the forces affecting ocean currents: primarily the Coriolis effect, which is due to Earth's rotation. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect causes moving fluids to be deflected to the left, resulting in counter-clockwise circulation. Conversely, in the Northern Hemisphere, fluids are deflected to the right, leading to clockwise circulation.

Given this information:

• South Pacific Subtropical Gyre is in the Southern Hemisphere, thus circulating counter-clockwise.
• North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre is in the Northern Hemisphere, therefore circulating clockwise.

Therefore, the correct answer is: counter-clockwise; clockwise.