Correct Response: D. The Coriolis effect is an apparent deflection of objects moving in a straight line on a rotating frame of reference. The Coriolis effect is an important factor affecting the movement of water and air as they travel across Earth's curved and rotating surface. It affects the flow of air around atmospheric pressure systems and in prevailing wind currents, as well as the flow of ocean currents. The cooling of rising air (A) results from the decrease in pressure with increasing elevation and the conduction of heat energy into the surrounding cooler air and has nothing to do with the Coriolis effect. Air currents rarely travel in a straight path for very long (B) no matter where they are because of the Coriolis effect and other geographic factors. Air heats up as it sinks as a result of compressional heating as the pressure in the sinking gas increases (C) and it is unrelated to the Coriolis effect.
