Coriolis Effect and Gyres PDF
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This document discusses the Coriolis effect and its influence on gyres and surface currents. It explains how the Coriolis effect causes fluids (like water and air) to deflect to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is a key factor in the formation of wind patterns and ocean currents.
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Coriolis Effect and Gyres Coriolis Effect Earth is a sphere Circumference is much larger at the equator than towards the poles The equator must rotate faster than the area towards the poles when the Earth rotates Coriolis Effect West → East Since different...
Coriolis Effect and Gyres Coriolis Effect Earth is a sphere Circumference is much larger at the equator than towards the poles The equator must rotate faster than the area towards the poles when the Earth rotates Coriolis Effect West → East Since different locations on Earth don’t rotate at the same speed (latitudes), fluids (water/air) will deflect to the left/right depending on the hemisphere. This affects the prevailing winds and therefore surface currents. Coriolis Effect = 0 at the equator! → so no deflection NH - deflects to the right SH - deflects to the left Earth rotates slower Earth rotates faster Earth rotates faster Earth rotates slower Helpful Links - Coriolis Effect https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/earth/coriolis-effect.html This video explains the coriolis effect in terms of hurricanes and weather systems, but it works the same way with ocean currents. https://scijinks.gov/coriolis/ Gyres Circular patterns made up of surface currents Result of the Coriolis Effect → Gyres/currents don’t cross over the equator Gyres rotate clockwise in the NH ○ Deflected to the right when it “hits” a continent Gyres rotate counter-clockwise in the SH ○ Deflected to the left when it “hits” a continent
