Скачать или смотреть Coriolis Force l Upsc l Geography

The Coriolis force is an apparent force felt in a rotating frame (like Earth). It doesn’t push things by itself — it arises because you’re observing motion on a spinning planet. Its main effect is to deflect moving air and water: to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Why it matters (effects on Earth)

Weather systems / Cyclones: Coriolis turns large-scale airflows, causing low-pressure systems to rotate counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. It’s essential for the existence and spin-direction of hurricanes, mid-latitude cyclones, etc.

Jet streams & large-scale winds: Balance between pressure-gradient force and Coriolis produces geostrophic winds (winds parallel to isobars). This shapes persistent zonal flows like the jet stream.

Ocean currents & gyres: Large ocean currents are steered by Coriolis; western intensification (stronger western boundary currents like the Gulf Stream) and the formation of subtropical gyres result from the rotating frame dynamics.