What phenomenon provides proof that the Earth rotates?

Study for the Earth Science Regents Exam. Dive into flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam!

The Coriolis Effect is a crucial phenomenon that provides evidence of Earth's rotation. This effect occurs due to the rotation of the Earth on its axis, causing moving air and water to turn and twist rather than travel in a straight line. Specifically, the Coriolis Effect leads to the deflection of winds and ocean currents. In the Northern Hemisphere, for example, moving objects are deflected to the right, while in the Southern Hemisphere, they are deflected to the left. This consistent pattern is a direct result of the Earth spinning, clearly demonstrating that the planet is in motion.

The other choices relate to different processes that do not directly indicate Earth's rotation. The changing seasons, for instance, are primarily caused by the tilt of Earth's axis as it orbits the Sun, not by its rotation. Earthquakes are geological events that occur due to tectonic activity, while tidal movements are influenced by the gravitational pull of the Moon and the Sun. None of these phenomena provide direct evidence of the Earth's rotational motion like the Coriolis Effect does.

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