UPSC CSE Prelims
Question 28
With reference to "Coriolis force", which of the following statements is/are correct ?
- It increases with increase in wind velocity.
- It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.
Select the answer using the code given below :
View correct answer and explanation
Correct answer: C
Correct Option: C (Both 1 and 2)
Explanation: Coriolis acceleration grows with horizontal wind speed and with the sine of latitude. It is zero at the equator and strongest near the poles.
Statement / Pair / Item-wise Analysis:
1. Correct/True - For fixed latitude, Coriolis acceleration is proportional to wind speed.
2. Correct/True - Its magnitude is maximal at 90° latitude and vanishes at 0°.
Option-wise Analysis:
A. Incorrect-omits correct item 2 (Its magnitude is maximal at 90° latitude and vanishes at 0°.).
B. Incorrect-omits correct item 1 (For fixed latitude, Coriolis acceleration is proportional to wind speed.).
C. Correct-includes precisely the true/correct statements or pairs identified above.
D. Incorrect-omits correct item 1 (For fixed latitude, Coriolis acceleration is proportional to wind speed.); omits correct item 2 (Its magnitude is maximal at 90° latitude and vanishes at 0°.).