Coriolis Effect

Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect is the deflection of moving objects (like wind) when viewed in a rotating reference frame (Earth’s rotation).

Each atmospheric cell has prevailing winds associated with it. The Coriolis effect influences these winds. The Coriolis effect is the appearance that global winds, and ocean currents curve as they move. The curve is due to the rotation of the Earth on its axis and leads to winds blowing diagonally. In the northern hemisphere, it curves winds to the right. On the southern hemisphere it curves winds to the left. The exception is when there is a low-pressure system. Winds blow in reverse in these systems (clockwise in the southern hemisphere and anti-clockwise in the northern hemisphere.