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Coriolis Frequency, also called the coriolis parameter or coriolis coefficient, is equal to twice the rotation rate Ω of the earth multiplied by the sine of the latitude φ. It represents the horizontal component of the Coriolis effect experienced by moving objects on Earth's surface.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula calculates the Coriolis frequency by dividing the horizontal component of Coriolis acceleration by the horizontal speed across the Earth's surface.
Details: Coriolis frequency is crucial in meteorology, oceanography, and geophysical fluid dynamics for understanding large-scale atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, weather systems, and the behavior of rotating fluids on Earth.
Tips: Enter the horizontal component of Coriolis acceleration in m/s² and horizontal speed across the Earth's surface in m/s. Both values must be positive numbers.
Q1: What is the physical significance of Coriolis frequency?
A: Coriolis frequency represents the rate at which the Coriolis effect influences moving objects on a rotating Earth, affecting their trajectory and creating characteristic circular motions in fluids.
Q2: How does latitude affect Coriolis frequency?
A: Coriolis frequency increases with latitude, being maximum at the poles and zero at the equator, following the formula f = 2Ωsin(φ), where Ω is Earth's rotation rate and φ is latitude.
Q3: What are typical values of Coriolis frequency?
A: At mid-latitudes, Coriolis frequency is approximately 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹, while at the poles it reaches about 1.45 × 10⁻⁴ s⁻¹.
Q4: Why is Coriolis frequency important in weather prediction?
A: Coriolis frequency determines the scale of weather systems and influences the formation and behavior of cyclones, anticyclones, and other atmospheric phenomena.
Q5: Can Coriolis frequency be negative?
A: Yes, in the Southern Hemisphere, Coriolis frequency is considered negative as it causes deflection to the left rather than the right.