Coriolis Effect

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The effect of Earth's rotation on the direction of winds and current

Real World Example

Imagine trying to walk straight across a moving walkway at the airport while it carries you sideways. This is similar to how the Coriolis effect causes winds and currents to shift direction due to Earth's rotation. Just as your intended straight path is altered by the sideways motion of the walkway, winds and currents are deflected because the Earth is spinning beneath them, changing their paths in predictable ways.

Practice Version

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