Corioliseffekti

Corioliseffekti, or the Coriolis effect, is an inertial force that acts on objects in motion relative to a rotating frame of reference. It is most commonly observed in relation to the Earth's rotation. The effect causes a deflection in the path of moving objects, appearing as if a force is pushing them sideways. In the Northern Hemisphere, this deflection is to the right of the object's path, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it is to the left.

The magnitude of the Coriolis effect depends on the speed of the object, the speed of rotation of the reference frame, and the latitude. It is negligible for small-scale phenomena like water draining in a sink or the flight of a bullet. However, it plays a significant role in large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns. For example, it influences the direction of prevailing winds and ocean currents, contributing to the formation of large weather systems like cyclones and anticyclones.

The effect was first described by Gustave-Gaspard Coriolis in 1835. It is a crucial concept in meteorology, oceanography, and other fields that deal with the dynamics of rotating systems. Understanding the Coriolis effect is essential for accurate weather forecasting, navigation, and the study of global climate patterns. It is not a true force in the sense of Newton's laws, but rather an apparent force arising from the observer's perspective within a non-inertial (rotating) reference frame.