Question map
Consider the following state- ments : 1. Coriolis effect is zero at the Equator. 2. Coriolis effect is more towards the Poles. 3. Coriolis effects are related to the decreasing rotational velocity with increasing latitudes. 4. Coriolis effects are related to the increasing rotational velocity with increasing latitudes. Which of the statements given above are correct ?
Explanation
The Coriolis effect is a consequence of Earth's rotation, where the magnitude of the force is defined by the formula 2νω sin ϕ [1]. At the Equator, where the latitude (ϕ) is 0°, the sine value is zero, making the Coriolis force absent [3]. As latitude increases toward the Poles (ϕ = 90°), the force increases, reaching its maximum at the poles [4]. Physically, this effect is linked to the variation in Earth's tangential rotational velocity across different latitudes . The tangential velocity is highest at the Equator (approximately 1670 km/hr) and decreases toward the poles, where it is essentially zero [5]. Because an object moving poleward retains its higher initial eastward momentum from lower latitudes, it appears to deflect relative to the slower-moving surface at higher latitudes. Thus, the effect is related to decreasing rotational velocity with increasing latitudes .
Sources
- [1] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > Causes of The Coriolis Effect > p. 309
- [2] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 26: Tropical Cyclones > Coriolis Force > p. 356
- [3] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 9: Atmospheric Circulation and Weather Systems > Coriolis Force > p. 79
- [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 23: Pressure Systems and Wind System > UPSC Prelims 2011] Which one of the following weather conditions is indicated by a sudden fall in barometer reading? > p. 308
- [5] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 18: Latitudes and Longitudes > The Shape of The Earth and Latitudinal Heat Zones > p. 241