Pressure systems rotate differently based on their type (high or low) and their location relative to the equator. Here's a breakdown:
High Pressure Systems: High pressure systems have higher pressure at the center, causing air to flow outward. Due to the Coriolis effect, the rotation is:
- North of the Equator: Clockwise
- South of the Equator: Counterclockwise
Low Pressure Systems: Low pressure systems have lower pressure at the center, causing air to flow inward. The Coriolis effect causes the rotation to be:
- North of the Equator: Counterclockwise
- South of the Equator: Clockwise
The Coriolis Effect: The Coriolis effect is the deflection of moving objects (like air currents) due to the Earth's rotation. This effect is what causes the distinct rotational patterns in pressure systems across the hemispheres.
Summary: Winds in high-pressure systems spiral outward and rotate clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The opposite is true for low-pressure systems, where winds spiral inward and rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
