<P> The Coriolis force caused by the Earth 's rotation is what gives winds around low - pressure areas ( such as in hurricanes , cyclones , and typhoons ) their counter-clockwise ( anticlockwise ) circulation in the northern hemisphere ( as the wind moves inward and is deflected right from the center of high pressure ) and clockwise circulation in the southern hemisphere ( as the wind moves inward and is deflected left from the center of high pressure ) . A cyclone differs from a hurricane or typhoon only on the basis of location . A hurricane is a storm that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean , a typhoon occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean , and a cyclone occurs in the south Pacific or Indian Ocean . Friction with land slows down the wind flowing into low - pressure systems and causes wind to flow more inward , or flowing more ageostrophically , toward their centers . A low - pressure area is commonly associated with inclement weather , while a high - pressure area is associated with light winds and fair skies . Tornados are often too small , and of too short duration , to be influenced by the Coriolis force , but may be so - influenced when arising from a low - pressure system . </P>
<P> The Coriolis force caused by the Earth 's rotation is what gives winds around low - pressure areas ( such as in hurricanes , cyclones , and typhoons ) their counter-clockwise ( anticlockwise ) circulation in the northern hemisphere ( as the wind moves inward and is deflected right from the center of high pressure ) and clockwise circulation in the southern hemisphere ( as the wind moves inward and is deflected left from the center of high pressure ) . A cyclone differs from a hurricane or typhoon only on the basis of location . A hurricane is a storm that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean , a typhoon occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean , and a cyclone occurs in the south Pacific or Indian Ocean . Friction with land slows down the wind flowing into low - pressure systems and causes wind to flow more inward , or flowing more ageostrophically , toward their centers . A low - pressure area is commonly associated with inclement weather , while a high - pressure area is associated with light winds and fair skies . Tornados are often too small , and of too short duration , to be influenced by the Coriolis force , but may be so - influenced when arising from a low - pressure system . </P>
wind blows around low-pressure areas near the surface in the southern hemisphere in what direction
wind blows around low-pressure areas near the surface in the southern hemisphere in what direction
clockwise circulation
clockwise circulation