Explain the coriolis effect.
Understand the Problem
The question is asking for an explanation of the Coriolis effect, which refers to the apparent deflection of moving objects when viewed from a rotating reference frame, commonly observed in meteorology and oceanography.
Answer
The Coriolis effect causes moving objects to deflect right in the Northern Hemisphere and left in the Southern Hemisphere due to Earth's rotation.
The Coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects (like air currents) caused by the Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, objects appear to deflect to the right, and in the Southern Hemisphere, to the left.
Answer for screen readers
The Coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects (like air currents) caused by the Earth's rotation. In the Northern Hemisphere, objects appear to deflect to the right, and in the Southern Hemisphere, to the left.
More Information
The Coriolis effect explains why cyclones rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. It plays a crucial role in weather patterns and ocean currents.
Tips
A common mistake is to think the Coriolis effect affects the direction water drains in small containers like bathtubs, which is not the case.
Sources
- What Is the Coriolis Effect? | NOAA SciJinks – All About Weather - scijinks.gov
- The Coriolis Effect: Earth's Rotation and Its Effect on Weather - education.nationalgeographic.org
- Coriolis effect - Met Office - metoffice.gov.uk
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