Answer to Question #121503 in Physics for ran li

Question

The Coriolis effect:
a) contributes to the pattern of Earth’s global winds
b) causes all objects to spin
c) is caused by the angle of inclination of Earth
d) refers to the movement of air in bands in the stratosphere

Answer 1

 The Coriolis Effect contributes to the circular motion of the wind around pressure systems which move weather patterns.

The Coriolis Effect can be seen in action in the general circulation of the atmosphere. The winds at all latitudes to the north of 0° deflect to the right of their intended path in the Northern Hemisphere. The Coriolis Effect does not impact the wind speed, only the wind direction. The Coriolis Effect impacts objects on a large scale and does not generally have a big influence on small scale objects at the earth’s surface. Though hurricanes are small scale compared to the overall globe, hurricanes need the Coriolis Effect to help develop the circular motion of their circulations. Tornadoes are not impacted by the Coriolis Effect because they are so small in scale and short in duration. The direction water goes down the drain is also not impacted by the Coriolis Effect.

Answer: a) contributes to the pattern of Earth’s global winds