UPSC Prelims 2024 · Question 74 of 97
UPSC Prelims 2024 question on Coriolis Force
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2024
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectGeography
- TopicClimatology
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
With reference to 'Coriolis force', which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.
2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
Select the answer using the code given below:
Show answer
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Verdict
Correct statements: Both 1 and 2 → Option (c).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – CORRECT: The rotation of the earth about its axis affects the direction of wind through the Coriolis force. The deflection is more when the wind velocity is high. Hence statement 1 is correct.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: The Coriolis force is directly proportional to the angle of latitude. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. At the equator, the Coriolis force is zero and the wind blows perpendicular to the isobars. This is why tropical cyclones are not formed near the equator.