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In the Northern Hemisphere, how does surface wind circulate around a low-pressure system?

Choices

  • Clockwise and outward

    Clockwise and outward describes flow around a high, not a low.

  • ✓ Counterclockwise and inwardcorrect

    Around a low, air spirals counterclockwise and inward in the Northern Hemisphere.

  • Straight from high to low with no deflection

    The Coriolis force deflects the flow, creating circulation.

  • Counterclockwise and outward

    Air converges inward toward a low, it does not flow outward.

Why

Air flows toward low pressure, and the Coriolis force deflects it to the right, producing a counterclockwise, inward circulation around a Northern Hemisphere low.

FAA source: PHAK Ch. 12 / Aviation Weather Handbook FAA-H-8083-28browse the reference library →

This is taught in The Atmosphere: Stability, Moisture and Density Altitude — study the lessons free, then practice with grading and mastery tracking.

Original study question written for this course — representative of FAA knowledge-test topics, not an actual current FAA exam question.

In the Northern Hemisphere, how does surface wind circulate around a… · PPL Free Ground School