what is coriolis force

The Coriolis force is an inertial or fictitious force that acts on objects in motion within a frame of reference that rotates with respect to an inertial frame. It is named after the French mathematician Gaspard Gustave de Coriolis, who studied the transfer of energy in rotating systems like waterwheels. The Coriolis force is important in various natural phenomena, such as the deflection of circulating air in the atmosphere, which results in curved paths and is known as the Coriolis effect. This effect is also responsible for the rotation of large-scale weather systems, ocean currents, and the trajectories of long-range artillery shells. The Coriolis effect describes the pattern of deflection taken by objects not firmly connected to the ground as they travel long distances around the Earth. It is important in understanding various aspects of physics, meteorology, and oceanography.