Q. With reference to “Coriolis force”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
Select the answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct answer: (b) 2 only
Question from UPSC Prelims 2024 GS Paper
Explanation:
“It increases with increase in wind velocity.”
This statement is incorrect. The Coriolis force is not dependent on wind velocity. It depends on the Earth’s rotation rate and the latitude of the object in motion. The magnitude of the Coriolis force is proportional to the speed of the moving object, but not to wind velocity specifically.
“It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.”
This statement is correct. The Coriolis force is strongest at the poles and weakest at the equator. At the equator, the Coriolis force is zero. This is because the Coriolis force is proportional to the sine of the latitude. At the poles (90° latitude), sine(90°) = 1, giving maximum effect. At the equator (0° latitude), sine(0°) = 0, resulting in no Coriolis effect.