The Earth spins on its axis, which significantly influences the direction of the wind through what is known as the Coriolis effect. This phenomenon, often referred to as the Coriolis force, isn't an actual force but rather an apparent one, dependent on one's perspective. From above, the effect is observable, but from our usual ground-level view, its impact is less direct.

To demonstrate this concept, we've devised a straightforward experiment involving a chopping board, a disk of paper, a ruler, a pen, and some assistance. Helen will help by spinning the disk of paper to mimic the Earth's rotation.

Viewed as if from the North Pole, the disk should rotate anti-clockwise. As I draw a straight line while Helen spins the disk, the deviation of the line due to the Earth's spin becomes evident. This demonstrates the Coriolis effect in the Northern Hemisphere, where winds appear to curve to the right.

Conversely, if the experiment simulates viewing from the South Pole, the disk would rotate clockwise. Trying this at home, you'll notice winds bending to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

There's a common belief that the Coriolis effect causes water to drain in different directions in different hemispheres. However, this is more myth than reality, as plug holes are too small for the Coriolis effect to be noticeable. Despite this, the Coriolis effect is the reason why low-pressure systems and tropical storms rotate anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.