` Coriolis effect is caused by Earth’s rotation. Wind is turned to the right relative of Earth’s surface in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left relative to Earth’s surface in the Southern Hemisphere. It must always be taken into account, even for launching rockets!

Coriolis Effect Steak Scene - Napoleon Dynamite

Earth from Space

Coriolis Effect and Pressure Systems (Northern Hemisphere)

Low Pressure and Coriolis Effect in the Northern Hemisphere

High Pressure in N.H. - air flows outward and clockwise Low Pressure in N.H. - air flows inward and counterclockwise

More on the Coriolis Effect

Coriolis Effect

Cannons and Coriolis Effect Coriolis Effect and Plane Flight Coriolis Effect Coriolis Effect Videos

Friction also plays a larger role in how winds blow. Friction from the ground slows down the air and lessens the Coriolis effect. This is why it is often very windy near the ocean, at sea, or in places like Antarctica where the surface is all ice.

H H H H L L L Polar High (90°N) Subpolar Low Subtropical High Subpolar Low Subtropical High Equatorial Low Polar High (90°S) 60°N 60°S 30°N 30°S 0° “Polar Front” COLD WARM “Horse Latitudes” “Doldrums” “ITCZ” Polar Southeasterlies Prevailing Northwesterlies Southeast Trade Winds Northeast Trade Winds Prevailing Southwesterlies Polar Northeasterlies

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