Question

If the direction of Earth’s rotation reversed, the most predictable effect would be

(A) a big change in the length of the year.

(B) winds blowing from west to east along the equator.

(C) a loss of seasonal variation at high latitudes.

(D) the elimination of ocean currents.

Short answer

(A) The statement “a big change in the length of the year” is false.

(B) The statement “winds blowing from west to east along the equator” is true.

(C) The statement “a loss of seasonal variation at high latitudes” is false.

(D) The statement “the elimination of ocean currents” is false.

Step-by-step solution

Earth

The Earth is an astronomical object that represents a rocky planet with a thin outer crust, mantle and inner core with an oxygen-rich atmosphere.

Explanation of option ‘(A)’

The several layers associated with Earth are inner core, outer core, mantle, crust, lithosphere, and asthenosphere. Various Earth characteristics are life, atmospheric oxygen, nitrogen, ocean, and erosion.

Thus, the length of the year is caused by the Earth’s orbits around the sun.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(B)’

Wind is the naturally moving air that flows in the lowest layer (troposphere) of the Earth’s atmosphere due to the spinning of the Earth.

Thus, Earth’s rotation mainly determines the wind blowing in the atmosphere. Normally, the wind on Earth (planet) blows from east to west due to the Coriolis effect. This reverse rotation causes the wind to blow from west to east.

Therefore, the given statement is true.

Explanation of option ‘(C)’

A seasonal variation is when the temperature, rainfall, and weather pattern changes bring changes in time series during a year.

Thus, change in rotation axis causes seasonal variation.

Therefore, the given statement is false.

Explanation of option ‘(D)’

An ocean current is when distinct forces like Coriolis and frictional forces cause directed movement of surface water.

Thus, stopping Earth’s rotation causes the elimination of ocean current.

Therefore, the given statement is false.