Discuss the impact of the Coriolis effect on atmospheric circulation. Provide at least two examples where the Coriolis effect significantly impacts global atmospheric circulation
What will be an ideal response?
The Coriolis effect causes moving objects on Earth to follow curved paths. The Coriolis effect is a result of Earth's rotation toward the east. More specifically, the difference in the speed of Earth's rotation at different latitudes causes the Coriolis effect. In reality, objects travel along straight-line paths, but Earth rotates underneath them, making the objects appear to curve. In the Northern Hemisphere, an object will follow a path to the right of its intended direction; in the Southern Hemisphere, an object will follow a path to the left of its intended direction. The directions right and left are the viewer's perspective looking in the direction in which the object is traveling. The Coriolis effect acts on all moving objects. However, it is much more pronounced on objects traveling long distances, especially north or south. This is why the Coriolis effect has a dramatic effect on atmospheric circulation and the movement of ocean currents.
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