Question

Apply the hand-twist model of low-pressure systems to the cyclone's position at 12-hour intervals along Track A. Assume that before the storm's arrival, the wind at Detroit is blowing from the east. As the cyclone approaches, the wind shifts from the east to the:

a) North
b) South
c) West
d) Southeast

Answer 1

The correct answer is b) South.

Step-by-step explanation:

When a low-pressure system approaches Detroit, and the initial wind blows from the east, the wind direction will change due to the counterclockwise circulation of the cyclone in the northern hemisphere. The Coriolis force dictates that winds flow into a low-pressure center but are deflected to the right, leading to a spiral movement.

Since the cyclone rotates counterclockwise, as the eastern winds approach the center, they will shift. After the winds coming from the east enter the spiral, they will turn towards the south, involving a turn toward the southwest before approaching from the southeast as they spiral around the cyclone center.

Hence, the correct answer is b) South.