UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2024

With reference to the Coriolis force, which of the following statements are correct? 1. It increases with increase in wind velocity. 2. It is maximum at the poles and absent at the equator. Select the correct answer using the code given below:

  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer

Correct Answer

Both 1 and 2

Explanation

The Coriolis force is proportional to the velocity of the moving object and the sine of the latitude. It increases with wind velocity, is zero at the equator, and reaches its maximum at the poles. Therefore, both statements are correct.

Topics: atmospheric circulation, climatology, coriolis force, geography