
352 Classical Mechanics
currents on the planet are Coriolis forces diverted into horizontal (or east–west) trajectories. These
jet streams are extreme versions of the less-pronounced east–west trades on Earth (Figure 11.12b).
The Earth’s rotation, the Earth’s winds, and the sun’s radiant energy are the primary factors that
control the circulation of ocean currents. This combination produces, predictably, a general pattern
of clockwise surface currents in the Northern Hemisphere and counterclockwise surface currents in
the Southern Hemisphere (Figure 11.13).
11.2.2.2 Weather Systems
The closed curves in the sketch of Figure 11.14 represent lines ...