The Coriolis effect is the apparent deflection of moving objects when they are viewed in a rotating reference frame, such as the Earth. This effect causes moving objects like air currents, ocean currents, and projectiles to curve relative to the Earth's surface rather than moving in a straight line. In the Northern Hemisphere, objects are deflected to the right, and in the Southern Hemisphere, they are deflected to the left. This deflection influences global wind patterns, ocean currents, and the rotation of large storm systems like hurricanes, making them spin counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. The Coriolis effect is stronger near the poles and nonexistent at the equator. This phenomenon arises because the Earth rotates underneath the moving object, causing a perceived curve in the object's path relative to the surface. For example, air moving toward low- pressure areas is deflected by the Coriolis effect, causing winds to circulate around pressure systems rather than flowing directly from high to low pressure. Additionally, there is a perceptual Coriolis effect that relates to human sensation during rotation, causing dizziness or nausea when moving the head while spinning. Overall, the Coriolis effect is fundamental in meteorology and oceanography for understanding weather patterns, ocean circulation, and even in precise targeting of long-range projectiles.
