QUESTION

Easy

Physical Geography

Prelims 2024

With reference to "Coriolis force”, which of the following statements is/are correct?

  1. It increases with 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 :

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Explanation

Coriolis Force: The Coriolis force is an inertial force that acts on objects in motion within a rotating frame of reference. On Earth, this force causes moving objects (like air masses or ocean currents) to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

  • Statement 1 is correct: It increases with an increase in wind velocity - The magnitude of the Coriolis force is directly proportional to the speed of the moving object. Faster winds experience a stronger Coriolis deflection.

  • Statement 2 is correct: It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. - The Coriolis force is strongest at the poles because the Earth's rotation is fastest at these points. At the equator, the Earth's surface moves parallel to the axis of rotation, resulting in zero Coriolis effect.

Coriolis

Coriolis

Therefore, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.

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