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Ferrel’s law is related to deflection of
Explanation
Ferrel’s Law is a fundamental principle in meteorology and oceanography that describes the deflection of moving objects due to the Earth's rotation, a phenomenon known as the Coriolis effect [1]. According to this law, winds and moving particles in the Northern Hemisphere are deflected to the right of their path, while those in the Southern Hemisphere are deflected to the left [1]. This principle is critical for understanding global circulation patterns, specifically the direction of planetary winds like the trade winds and westerlies [4]. Furthermore, the law applies to all moving fluids on the rotating Earth, including ocean currents and drift ice. While the Coriolis force itself is the physical cause, Ferrel's Law specifically refers to the resulting directional deflection observed in atmospheric and oceanic movements [3]. Therefore, it is most comprehensively related to the deflection of trade winds and ocean currents.
Sources
- [1] 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
- [4] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 27: Jet streams > Geostrophic Wind > p. 385
- [3] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 14: Climate > Pressure and Planetary Winds > p. 139