With reference to "Coriolis force", which of the following statements is/are correct?

Question

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

Answer 1

(c) Both 1 and 2

Explanation:

• Statement 1: Correct. The Coriolis force, which results from the Earth's rotation, acts on moving objects such as wind. The force increases with the velocity of the moving object; thus, higher wind speeds result in a stronger Coriolis effect.

• Statement 2: Correct. The Coriolis force is zero at the equator because the rotational speed of the Earth's surface is highest there. It increases with latitude and reaches its maximum at the poles where the Earth's surface rotates the least.

Therefore, both statements are correct, making option (c) the right answer.