What Is the Coriolis Effect Kid Definition

The Coriolis effect is the apparent acceleration of a moving body on or near the Earth as a result of the Earth’s rotation. The Coriolis effect is an important determinant of wind direction on a global scale.

What is the Coriolis effect in simple terms?

In simple terms, the Coriolis Effect makes things (like planes or currents of air) traveling long distances around the Earth appear to move at a curve as opposed to a straight line. It’s a pretty weird phenomenon, but the cause is simple: Different parts of the Earth move at different speeds.

What is the Coriolis effect and why is it important?

The Coriolis effect is important to virtually all sciences that relate to Earth and planetary motions. It is critical to the dynamics of the atmosphere including the motions of winds and storms. In oceanography, it explains the motions of oceanic currents.