How Does Earth's Rotation Influence Global Wind Patterns?

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Winds generally flow to the east due to the Coriolis effect, which is a result of the Earth's rotation. As the Earth spins, moving air is deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, creating prevailing wind patterns. On an ideal planet without continents to disrupt airflow, wind patterns would be more uniform, potentially resulting in consistent eastward flow across the surface. Understanding these principles is crucial for sailing and navigation, as they significantly influence weather patterns and ocean currents.
DaveC426913
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I'm taking a sailing course and reading up on weather. It's making me think.

Why do winds as a global average flow to the East? Does it have to do with the direction of rotation of the Earth? What would the wind pattern look like on an ideal planet where, say, continents didn't deflect the flow?
 
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