Consider the following statements with reference to the Coriolis force: 1. It increases with an increase in wind velocity. 2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. Select the answer using the code given below:

QUESTION

Medium

Physical Geography

Prelims 2024

Consider the following statements with reference to the Coriolis force:

It increases with an increase in wind velocity.
It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.

Select the answer using the code given below:

Select an option to attempt

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Coriolis force is an inertial force caused by the Earth's rotation that deflects moving objects to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. The magnitude of this force is directly proportional to the velocity of the moving object (wind or water). Therefore, as the wind velocity increases, the deflection force acting on it also increases proportionally.

Statement 2 is correct: The force is mathematically expressed as being proportional to the sine of the latitude ( $\sin \theta$ ). At the Equator ( $0^\circ$ latitude), $\sin 0^\circ$ equals zero; hence, the Coriolis force is completely absent. This is the primary reason why Tropical Cyclones do not form at the equator, as there is no force to create the necessary rotation.

Maximum at Poles: Conversely, at the Poles ( $90^\circ$ latitude), $\sin 90^\circ$ equals one, which is the maximum value. Consequently, the Coriolis force is at its peak at the poles.

Geostrophic Wind: In the upper atmosphere, when the Pressure Gradient Force is balanced by the Coriolis force, the resulting wind flows parallel to the isobars and is known as the Geostrophic Wind.