Which phenomenon is primarily responsible when trade winds deflect westward approaching the equator?

💡 Explanation

When air masses move towards the equator, the Coriolis effect causes a deflection because Earth's rotation curves their trajectory relative to the surface, resulting in the westward turning of trade winds. Therefore, the Coriolis effect results, rather than pressure gradients, orographic lifting, or Hadley cell subsidence, which have separate causes.

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