NCERT Class 11 Geography — Chapter 2: Movements of Ocean Water

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Due to the Coriolis force, warm currents from low latitudes tend to move:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

ATo the right in the southern hemisphere.
BTo the right in the northern hemisphere.
CTo the left in the northern hemisphere.
DStraight towards the poles.

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is To the right in the northern hemisphere..

Explanation

The Coriolis force is an apparent force caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. It plays a critical role in determining the direction of movement for ocean currents and winds globally. This force is zero at the equator and increases towards the poles.

Analysis of Deflection

Northern Hemisphere: Due to the Earth's rotation from west to east, the Coriolis force deflects moving objects, including ocean water, to the right of their path of motion. Therefore, warm currents moving from low latitudes (equator) towards higher latitudes are deflected to the right.
Southern Hemisphere: In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects moving objects to the left of their path of motion.
Resultant Movement: Consequently, ocean currents do not flow in a straight line from the equator to the poles but follow curved paths, contributing to the formation of large circular current systems known as gyres.

Key Takeaway: Under the influence of the Coriolis force, ocean currents are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere (Ferrel’s Law).

Your note

More from Chapter 2: Movements of Ocean Water

Consider the following factors: 1. The shape of bays and estuaries has no influence on the magnitude of tides. 2. Presence of wide continental shelves. 3. Presence of mid-oceanic islands. Which of the above factors can influence the height or magnitude of tidal bulges?

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Which of the following best describes the general movement of warm ocean currents?

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With reference to the movements of ocean water, consider the following statements: 1. Ocean currents represent the horizontal motion of water while tides represent the vertical motion. 2. In waves, the water moves ahead from one place to another along with the wave train. 3. The upwelling of cold water from the subsurface is a form of horizontal motion. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements regarding the characteristics of ocean waves: 1. The largest waves are typically found in open oceans rather than enclosed seas. 2. Steep waves are generally old and originate from far away places. 3. Slow and steady waves usually originate from far away places. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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The maximum height of a wave is determined by which of the following factors? 1. The strength of the wind has no role in determining wave height. 2. The duration for which the wind blows. 3. The area over which the wind blows in a single direction. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

easy

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The correct option is To the right in the northern hemisphere..

Explanation

Analysis of Deflection

Northern Hemisphere: Due to the Earth's rotation from west to east, the Coriolis force deflects moving objects, including ocean water, to the right of their path of motion. Therefore, warm currents moving from low latitudes (equator) towards higher latitudes are deflected to the right.
Southern Hemisphere: In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force deflects moving objects to the left of their path of motion.
Resultant Movement: Consequently, ocean currents do not flow in a straight line from the equator to the poles but follow curved paths, contributing to the formation of large circular current systems known as gyres.

Key Takeaway: Under the influence of the Coriolis force, ocean currents are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere (Ferrel’s Law).