The apparent Coriolis force is a result of the rotation of the Earth. In the northern hemisphere, it directs winds to the right, and in the southern hemisphere, it directs winds to the left.This is also known as ‘Ferrel’s Law’. The deflection is larger when the wind velocity is high. The Coriolis force opposes the pressure gradient force.The force of the pressure gradient is parallel to an isobar. The wind will blow faster and with a greater deflection in the wind’s direction as the pressure gradient force increases.
Features of Coriolis effect
The features of the Coriolis effect can be summed up as follows:
- The Coriolis force is a hypothetical force that arises from the earth’s rotation.
- The Coriolis effect works on moving objects like wind, flying objects, ballistic objects, and flying birds.
- As the Coriolis effect deflects the wind direction from the anticipated path, it only affects the wind direction and not the wind speed.
- Wind speed affects the Coriolis force’s magnitude. As the wind speed rises, the deflection rises as well.
- At the poles, the Coriolis effect is greatest, and at the equator, it is zero.
- Always acting perpendicular to the moving object’s axis, the Coriolis force.
Effects of Coriolis Force on the World Climate
When trade winds transition from sub-tropical high pressure belts to equational low pressure belts, Coriolis force causes them to change direction, becoming north-east trade winds in the northern hemisphere and south-east trade winds in the southern hemisphere. They thus provide significant rainfall to the east coast while leaving the west coast dry.
Understanding the Coriolis Effect requires knowledge of how the Earth rotates. The equator is where the earth rotates more quickly than the poles. The equatorial areas move at a speed of around 1,600 kilometres per hour because the Earth is broader in the equator. The earth revolves at a rate of 0.00008 km per hour at the poles.
Effect of Coriolis on Human Activity and Aircraft
Fast-moving weather-affected objects like rockets and aeroplanes are impacted by the Coriolis Effect. The Coriolis Effect plays a significant role in determining the primary wind direction. Therefore, a pilot must consider this when planning routes for long-distance travel. Military snipers take the Coriolis effect into account. Even though the Earth’s rotation barely affects the trajectory of bullets, sniper targeting is so precise that a few centimeters of deflection could still cause damage to infrastructure or innocent bystanders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Que 1. What is Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ)?
Ans- The Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is a large area of low pressure that extends from around *N to *S in equatorial latitudes. The air tends to climb where the north- and south-east trade winds intersect. Although it moves north or south in accordance with the apparent movement of the sun, this convergence zone is roughly parallel to the equator.
Que 2. Difference between Climate and Weather.
Ans-
| Climate | Weather |
| Climate is the overall collection of weather patterns and fluctuations over a wide area and over an extended period of time. | The term “weather” describes the condition of the atmosphere over a region at any given time. |
| More than 30 years’ worth of climate data have been collected. | Every day, whether it be for a few hours or a few days, weather data are logged. |
| The term “climate” covers a wide range. | Weather is used to describe a certain location. |
| It is the result of all of its components working together. | Any one of its components, such as humidity, pressure, temperature, and so forth, can have an impact on it. |
Que 3. How do atmospheric conditions affect India’s climate?
Ans- The following ways that atmospheric conditions affect India’s climate are:-
- Pressure and Surface Winds: From a region of high pressure to a zone of low pressure, the surface winds blow.The high-pressure region is located north of the Himalaya throughout the winter.Low pressure exists over the southern ocean, causing the wind to blow from the land towards the sea.This opposite happens in the summer.
- Tropical cyclones: These storms are a result of an easterly flow.They provide severe to very heavy rains on India’s eastern coast during the monsoon and in the months of October and November.
Que 4. Pick three characteristics of the Indian monsoon to describe.
Ans-The Indian monsoon has three main features.
- The monsoon is the changing of dry and wet spells. Breaks are the term used for the interstitial dry spells during the monsoon.
- Monsoon intensity, frequency, and length are all variable. This simultaneously produces drought in one area and floods in another.
- The monsoon’s arrival and departure are frequently erratic.
Que 5. What is the monsoon? Identify the monsoon’s two branches.
Ans- The Arabic word “Mausim,” which literally means “season,” is the source of the English word “monsoon.” It alludes to the yearly seasonal change of wind direction. The Arabian Sea Branch and the Bay of Bengal Branch are the two monsoon branches.