Question 11 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Geograph y

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:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Both 1 and 2

Strategy: - Analyze both statements by recalling concepts related to the Coriolis force.
- Statement 1's claim regarding wind speed and Coriolis deflection (higher velocity, greater deflection) is accurate.
- Statement 2's claim about latitude dependence (zero at equator, maximal at poles) is also accurate.
- Conclude that both statements are correct, leading to the selection of option C.

Key Info: The Coriolis force is an apparent force resulting from Earth's rotation. It acts on moving objects, such as winds and ocean currents, relative to Earth's surface, causing apparent deflection: to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

Its magnitude increases with both the object's velocity and the sine of the latitude. Consequently:
- It is zero at the equator (0 degrees latitude, where sine 0 is zero).
- It reaches its maximum at the poles (90 degrees latitude, where sine 90 is one).

This force modifies the trajectory of moving objects but does not initiate motion. The Coriolis effect is crucial in meteorology, influencing prevailing winds, cyclone development, and ocean current patterns. Its absence near the equator explains why cyclones typically do not form in those regions.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option D: Neither 1 nor 2

With reference to "Coriolis force", which of the following statements is/are correct? It increases with an increase in wind velocity. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. Select the answer using the code given below:

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

It increases with an increase in wind velocity.

It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
Select the answer using the code given below: