What phenomenon describes the effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and currents?

The phenomenon that describes the effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and currents is known as the Coriolis Effect. This effect arises because the Earth is a rotating sphere, and as air moves across the surface, its path is deflected due to the conservation of angular momentum. In the Northern Hemisphere, the deflection is to the right of the motion, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is to the left. This deflection influences global wind patterns and ocean currents, contributing to the overall circulation of the atmosphere and the ocean.

The other concepts mentioned are related but distinct. Wind shear refers to the change in speed or direction of winds at different altitudes and is primarily associated with weather phenomena. The pressure gradient force is the force that drives air from areas of high pressure to low pressure, initiating wind flow, but does not account for the rotational influence of the Earth. Gradient wind describes the flow of air around high and low-pressure systems, influenced by both the pressure gradient force and the Coriolis Effect, but it does not solely define the impact of Earth's rotation on wind and currents.