Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect describes the pattern of deflection taken by objects not firmly connected to the ground (e.g wind) as they travel long distances around Earth and is responsible for many large-scale weather patterns. It is a result of Earth’s rotation.

The following are key points regarding the Coriolis Effect:

  • The Coriolis Effect deflects winds to the right in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere
  • The Coriolis Effect is most pronounced near the equator and is at its weakest near the poles
  • The strength Coriolis Effect is directly proportional to wind speed
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