UPSC Express

Consider the given statements regarding the Coriolis force:

1. Coriolis effect is zero at the Equator.

2. As latitude increases, the Coriolis effect increases.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

A.

1 only

B.

2 only

C.

Both 1 and 2

D.

Neither 1 nor 2

Explanation :

The invisible force that appears to deflect the wind is the Coriolis force. The Coriolis force applies to movement on rotating objects. In relation to Earth, Coriolis force is an apparent force that, as a result of the earth’s rotation, deflects moving objects (such as projectiles or air currents) to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere. The key to the Coriolis effect lies in the Earth’s rotation. The Earth rotates faster at the Equator than it does at the poles. This is because the Earth is wider at the Equator, and a point on the Equator has farther to travel in a day. The Coriolis force is zero at the Equator. As latitude increases and the speed of the earth’s rotation decreases, Coriolis effect increases.