7.3: Other forces acting on the wind

The Coriolis Force

As a parcel of air begins to accelerate or speed up due to the Pressure Gradient Force, it will start to feel the influence of a new force, caused by the rotation of the atmosphere. This force is called the Coriolis Force (Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\)). It is an apparent force that seemingly changes the direction of a moving object due to the Earth's rotation. The apparent deflection of a moving object due to the Coriolis Force is called the Coriolis Effect.

Figure \(\PageIndex{1}\): The rotation of the Earth on its axis deflects the atmosphere toward the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere, resulting in curved paths. (Public Domain; The Coriolis Effect via NOAA)

A simple demonstration of the Coriolis Effect can be conducted using two index cards. Using a pair of scissors, cut slits into each of the cards such that the two cards can fit into each other. The two fitted cards serve as our frame of reference for observing the direction of a moving object. We can draw a line from the center of the two cards, along the slit, to represent wind. By rotating one of the cards, we can simulate how wind moving in a straight line appears when the Earth's surface is rotating. The following video provides a nice demonstration of the Coriolis Effect.

Coriolis Effect

Duration of video: 2:54

Video introduction: Coriolis Effect demonstrates how the rotation of an index card can alter the path of an otherwise straight-moving particle of air. You can also try the experiment at home with a couple of index cards, a pen, two pieces of tape, and a pair of scissors.

13. From the video, the path of the wind was _____ when the index card was not being rotated.
    1. Curved
    2. Straight 
14. On the other hand, when the index card was rotating, the path of the wind became:
    1. Curved
    2. Straight 

The direction of rotation plays an important role. The Earth rotates from west to east. When viewed from the North Pole, the Earth seems to spin counterclockwise, while from the South Pole, it seems to spin clockwise. Changing the direction of rotation of the index card from counterclockwise to clockwise changes the direction that the wind is deflected. Thus, the Coriolis force causes an apparent change in the wind’s direction:

• To the right of its direction in the Northern Hemisphere
• To the left of its direction in the Southern Hemisphere

Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\): A simplified surface weather map shows three horizontal isobars separated by 50 km from each other. The 1008 mb pressure isobar is situated to the north, the 1012 mb isobar is located in the middle, while the 1016 mb isobar is located to the south of the map. Point A lies on the 1012 mb isobar, Point B lies to the south of the 1016 mb isobar, while Point C lies to the north of the 1008 mb isobar. (CC BY 4.0; Alicia Mullens)

15. Returning to the simplified weather map in Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\), assuming we’re in the Northern Hemisphere and North is at the top, West is on the left, and East is on the right. As the air particle accelerates, the Coriolis force would turn the wind:
    1. to the East
    2. to the West

Let's put into practice what we learned about the Coriolis force. Returning our attention to Boston and the printout of Figure 7.2.5. The Coriolis force would be directed at a 90° angle, to the right of the net wind force arrow or the direction of wind flow. Draw an arrow on your map that points out of Boston’s station circle, and is 90° to the right of Boston’s net wind arrow.

16. In Boston, the Coriolis Force would be directing the wind to the:
    1. North-Northeast
    2. North-Northwest
    3. South-Southeast
    4. South-Southwest

The magnitude of the Coriolis force is based on three key factors: size, speed, and latitude

• Size: Only large enough motions will feel a Coriolis tug. So contrary to popular belief, the water in your toilet bowl doesn’t rotate due to the Coriolis force.
• Speed: The faster the wind, the stronger the Coriolis Force.
• Latitude: The further you are away from the equator, the stronger the Coriolis force. This is why cyclones or hurricanes don’t form over the equator.

As the air parcel in Figure \(\PageIndex{2}\) accelerates, it will be tugged further and further to the right of its path (Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\) and Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\)). Eventually, the direction and magnitude of the Coriolis force will become equal and opposite to the direction of the Pressure Gradient Force (PGF), causing the wind to flow parallel to adjacent isobars (Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\)). This phenomenon is known as the Geostrophic (Earth-turning) Balance and will be investigated further later.

Figure \(\PageIndex{3}\): A parcel at Point A will experience the Pressure Gradient Force (PGF) and start moving towards lower pressure (Point C). Once it starts moving, it will begin to experience the Coriolis force, causing it to turn to the right in the Northern Hemisphere. (CC BY 4.0; Alicia Mullens)

Figure \(\PageIndex{4}\): As the parcel continues to accelerate, the Coriolis Force intensifies, curving the wind further to the right, while PGF continues to pull the parcel towards lower pressure. (CC BY 4.0; Alicia Mullens)

Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\): Eventually, the Coriolis force equals the Pressure Gradient Force, but in opposite directions, causing winds to blow parallel to isobars. This is called Geostrophic Balance. (CC BY 4.0; Alicia Mullens)

17. At this point (Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\)), the Pressure Gradient and Coriolis Forces ______ causing the wind to continue in a straight path due to inertia (Newton's first law).
    1. Cancel each other out
    2. Amplify each other

Friction

The Pressure Gradient and Coriolis forces are the only forces we need to worry about in the upper atmosphere. However, near the Earth's surface, there are trees, buildings, terrain, and other objects that act to slow the wind down. Combined, the drag caused by these objects exerts a force known as friction. Friction is always directed opposite the net wind direction. Before we jump into the effects of friction, let’s do a brief review of the factors that affect the Pressure Gradient and Coriolis Forces:

• The Pressure Gradient Force: Affected by the difference in pressures and distance between isobars.
• The Coriolis Force: Affected by Latitude, Size, and Speed.

18. Considering the setup in Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\), Friction would slow the wind down. Which force would be affected by the slowing down of the wind?
    1. Pressure Gradient Force
    2. Coriolis Force

19. As a result, which force will become stronger?
    1. Pressure Gradient Force
    2. Coriolis Force

20. This would throw the wind off from Geostrophic Balance, causing the parcel from Figure \(\PageIndex{5}\) to turn:
    1. Towards lower pressure
    2. Away from pressure

21. This is _______ with the Hand Twist Model we studies in Investigation 6, which suggests that winds spiral into low-pressure regions.
    1. consistent
    2. inconsistent

22. Finally, let's return to the Boston surface map. Draw an arrow pointing in the exact opposite direction of the Net Wind Force, representing Friction. In Boston, Friction is directed to the:
    1. East-Northeast
    2. West-Southwest
    3. North-Northeast
    4. South-Southeast

23. Label each of the arrows that you drew on Figure 7.2.5, and submit the figure.