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Q135
(NDA-II/2024)
Geography › World Physical Geography
Official Key
Where is the Coriolis Effect the largest ?
Explanation
The Coriolis effect is an inertial force caused by the Earth's rotation that deflects moving objects, such as wind and ocean currents, to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
The magnitude of the Coriolis force is determined by the formula Fc = 2vΩ sin φ, where 'φ' represents the latitude. Key points include:
- At the Equator (0°): The sine of 0° is zero; therefore, the Coriolis effect is non-existent at the equator.
- At the Poles (90°): The sine of 90° is 1 (its maximum value). Consequently, the Coriolis force is strongest at the North and South Poles.
- Intermediate Latitudes: The effect increases gradually from the equator toward the poles.
Since the North Pole is located at 90°N latitude, it experiences the maximum Coriolis deflection, making Option C the correct answer.
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