In which direction does the Earth rotate on its axis when viewed from above the North Pole?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks basic physical geography and astronomy by asking about the direction of Earth rotation on its axis. Understanding how the Earth rotates is fundamental for explaining day and night, time zones and the apparent movement of the Sun across the sky. Many further concepts in geography, such as prevailing winds, ocean currents and the Coriolis effect, build on this simple idea. Therefore, examiners frequently test whether students can correctly state that the Earth rotates from west to east.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Earth rotates about its axis once approximately every 24 hours.
• The question asks for the direction of this rotation as viewed from above the North Pole.
• Options include West to East, East to West, South to North and North to South.
• We assume standard textbook conventions about compass directions.

Concept / Approach:
The Earth rotation direction explains why the Sun appears to rise in the east and set in the west. Since the Earth turns from west to east, locations on the surface move into sunlight from the eastern horizon. When described from above the North Pole, this means that the Earth rotates in an anticlockwise direction, which corresponds to west to east rotation along lines of latitude. Confusion sometimes arises because people see the Sun moving westward and incorrectly assume that the Earth rotates east to west. The correct approach is to remember that the apparent motion of the Sun is opposite to the rotation of the Earth itself.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the Sun seems to rise in the east and set in the west when observed from Earth. Step 2: Understand that this apparent motion is due to the Earth rotating beneath the sky. Step 3: For the Sun to appear from the eastern horizon, the surface must be moving toward the east. Step 4: Conclude that the Earth rotates from west to east when described in compass terms. Step 5: Therefore, from above the North Pole, the rotation would look anticlockwise, matching the west to east description.

Verification / Alternative check:
To verify this direction, consider satellite images or diagrams in astronomy textbooks that show Earth rotation. Arrows around the globe are almost always drawn to indicate a west to east rotation. Additionally, time zones are arranged so that eastern longitudes experience sunrise before western longitudes on the same day, which would not happen if the Earth rotated east to west. Pilots and navigators also plan flights and routes based on this known direction of rotation. These independent confirmations all support the simple conclusion that Earth rotates from west to east.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
East to West would produce the opposite effect, causing the Sun to appear to rise in the west, which contradicts everyday observation and basic science.
South to North describes motion along lines of longitude rather than rotation around an axis, so it does not match the actual rotational movement.
North to South is also along meridians and is unrelated to how the Earth spins in reality, so this option is incorrect as well.

Common Pitfalls:
A common error is to think in terms of the apparent motion of the Sun and conclude that the Earth must rotate in the same direction, east to west, instead of the opposite. Another pitfall is not visualising the globe from above the North Pole, where the anticlockwise direction can be confusing at first. Some learners also mix up the direction of rotation with the direction of revolution around the Sun. To avoid mistakes, remember the simple rule that the Sun appears first in the east because the Earth rotates from west to east. Linking this idea to sunrise and time zones makes it easier to recall under exam pressure.

Final Answer:
The Earth rotates on its axis from West to East when viewed from above the North Pole.