Question
With reference to “Coriolis force”, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It increases with an 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:
Explanation
The Coriolis force is the apparent deflective force caused by the rotation of the Earth on its axis. It acts perpendicular to the direction of motion, deflecting moving winds and water currents to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.
* 1. Correct: The Coriolis force is directly proportional to wind speed. Faster-moving air experiences a stronger deflective pull than slower-moving air.
* 2. Correct: The Coriolis force is directly proportional to the sine of the latitude. At the equator (0 degrees latitude), the force is completely zero. As one moves poleward, the deflective force increases progressively until it reaches its maximum strength at the North and South Poles (90 degrees latitude).
Therefore, both statements 1 and 2 are correct.
Hence, Option (c) is the correct answer.