Question

How does this force vary from lower to higher latitudes?

Answer 1

The Coriolis force varies with latitude as follows:

• It is zero at the Equator, meaning there is no deflection of moving objects or winds at 0° latitude.
• The Coriolis force increases gradually with increasing latitude.
• It reaches its maximum at the Poles (90° N and 90° S latitude).
• Because of this variation, the deflection of winds and moving objects is least near the Equator and greatest near the Poles.
• The direction of deflection is to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere.

This variation is due to the Earth’s rotation and the differing linear speeds at different latitudes. The rotation speed is highest at the Equator and decreases towards the poles, resulting in a stronger Coriolis effect at higher latitudes.