West to East
Explanation
The Earth rotates on its axis, an imaginary line connecting the North and South Poles. This rotation is the primary cause of the day-night cycle and significantly influences global atmospheric circulation through the Coriolis force.Detailed Analysis:
- The Earth rotates on its axis from West to East.
- This prograde rotation creates the apparent motion of the Sun, Moon, and stars rising in the East and setting in the West.
- When viewed from above the North Pole, the Earth rotates in a counter-clockwise direction.
- This rotation is critical in meteorology as it generates the Coriolis force, which deflects moving air masses (winds) to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
Key Takeaway: The Earth rotates from West to East, which governs the direction of the Coriolis force and the apparent movement of celestial bodies.