How does altitude affect wind direction and speed as you descend in the southern hemisphere?

As altitude decreases in the southern hemisphere, wind direction typically veers (shifts) towards the left due to the Coriolis effect, which is the result of the Earth’s rotation. This effect causes moving air to turn and twist, altering its path. As you go lower in altitude, the influence of surface friction becomes more significant, which tends to slow down the wind speed. The combination of these factors leads to a scenario where the wind veers—changing direction—and simultaneously decreases in speed as one descends.

This understanding is rooted in basic meteorological principles observed in both theoretical studies and practical observations. In the southern hemisphere, winds typically drift to the left of their direction due to the Coriolis effect, while frictional forces near the surface introduce additional effects that can reduce wind speed, making the chosen option correct.

Overall, the mechanics of atmospheric circulation and the influence of the Earth's rotation and surface interaction create this pattern of behavior as altitude changes within the southern hemisphere.