What is coriolis parameter?

The Coriolis parameter, also known as the Coriolis frequency or the Coriolis coefficient, is a physical parameter that describes the rotation of the Earth and its effect on the motion of objects in the atmosphere and oceans. It is denoted by the symbol f and is defined as:

f = 2Ωsinφ

where Ω is the angular velocity of the Earth (7.2921159 × 10^-5 radians per second) and φ is the latitude of the point of interest.

The Coriolis parameter plays a central role in the study of atmospheric and oceanic dynamics, as it governs the way in which moving fluids are deflected due to the rotating Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, for example, the Coriolis parameter is positive and increases as one moves away from the equator. This means that objects moving towards the north are deflected to the east, while objects moving towards the south are deflected to the west.

The Coriolis parameter is also important in the development of weather patterns and ocean currents. It affects the direction and strength of winds, ocean currents, and cyclones, and is responsible for many of the large-scale atmospheric and oceanic phenomena that we observe today.