Question

Q. Consider the following statements

1. Coriolis force is maximum at the equator and is absent at the pole
2. Coriolis force deflects the wind to the right direction in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.
3. Coriolis force acts parallel to the pressure gradient force

Which of the above statement/s is/are correct?

• A.
  2 only
• B.
  1 and 2 only
• C.
  1 and 3 only
• D.
  1 only

Answer 1

The correct option is A

2 only
Explanation:

Statement 1 in incorrect : Coriolis force is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator

Statement 2 is correct : Coriolis force deflects the wind to the right direction in the northern hemisphere and to the left in the southern hemisphere.

Statement 3 is incorrect : Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the pressure gradient force

Extra Information

The rotation of the earth about its axis affects the direction of the wind. This force is called the Coriolis force. The Coriolis force is directly proportional to the angle of the latitude. At the equator, the Coriolis force is zero and the wind blows perpendicular to the isobars. The low pressure gets filled instead of getting intensified. This explains why tropical cyclones are not formed near the equator.