1. What is the Coriolis Parameter?

The Coriolis parameter (f_c) represents the effect of the Earth's rotation on fluid motion. It's crucial in meteorology and oceanography for understanding large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Coriolis parameter equation:

Where:

• \( f_c \) — Coriolis parameter (s⁻¹)
• \( \omega \) — Earth's angular velocity (7.292 × 10⁻⁵ rad/s)
• \( \phi \) — Latitude (degrees)

Explanation: The parameter is zero at the equator (φ=0°) and reaches its maximum absolute value at the poles (φ=±90°).

3. Importance of Coriolis Parameter

Details: The Coriolis effect is essential for understanding geostrophic flow, Ekman transport, and the formation of weather systems like cyclones and anticyclones.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter latitude in degrees (-90° to 90°). Positive values for northern hemisphere, negative for southern hemisphere.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why does the Coriolis parameter vary with latitude?
A: The effect of Earth's rotation on moving objects depends on the component of the rotation vector perpendicular to the surface, which varies as the sine of latitude.

Q2: What is the Coriolis parameter at the equator?
A: Zero, because sin(0°) = 0. This means the Coriolis effect doesn't deflect motion horizontally at the equator.

Q3: How does the Coriolis parameter affect weather systems?
A: It causes deflection of air flow, leading to rotation of weather systems - counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

Q4: What are typical values of the Coriolis parameter?
A: At mid-latitudes (45°), f_c ≈ 1.03 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹. At the poles, f_c ≈ 1.46 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹.

Q5: Is the Coriolis effect important for small-scale phenomena?
A: No, it's only significant for large-scale (typically >10 km) and long-duration phenomena where the Earth's rotation becomes important.