Coriolis effect in Physics

In physics, the Coriolis effect is a deflection of moving objects when they are viewed in a rotating reference frame.

In a reference frame with clockwise rotation where angular velocity w is negative, the deflection is to the left.

In a reference frame with anti-clockwise rotation, where angular velocity w is positive, the deflection is to the right of the motion of the object.

The following simulation help you visualize the Coriolis effect!

Coriolis effect in Geography

The reason is that the earth rotation sets up an apparent force (called the Coriolis force)

The winds are pull to the right in the Northern Hemisphere

The winds are pull to the left in the Southern Hemisphere

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So when a low pressure starts to form north of the equator, the surface winds will flow inward trying to fill in the low and will be deflected to the right and a counter-clockwise rotation will be initiated. The opposite (a deflection to the left and a clockwise rotation) will occur south of the equator.

NOTE: This force is too tiny to affect rotation in, for example, water that is going down the drains of sinks and toilets. The rotation in those will be determined by the geometry of the container and the original motion of the water. Thus one can find both clockwise and counter- clockwise flowing drains no matter what hemisphere you are located. If you dont believe this, test it out for yourself.