What is the Coriolis Effect zero at?
Correct answer: (A) The Equator.
The Coriolis Effect is zero at the Equator, where latitude is 0 degrees.
Explanation
The Coriolis Effect is zero at the Equator and becomes stronger towards the poles. The FAA's Aviation Weather Handbook states that Coriolis force varies with latitude from zero at the Equator to a maximum at the poles, and that it affects wind direction everywhere except immediately at the Equator. The given reason is the latitude term: Coriolis force depends on the sine of latitude, so at 0 degrees latitude, sin 0 degrees is zero. This is why the Equator is the only option where the effect disappears, and also why cyclones do not form right at the Equator.
Why the other options are wrong
- (B) At 60 degrees latitude, the Coriolis Effect is not zero; it is more pronounced in middle and high latitudes.
- (C) At 30 degrees latitude, the location is away from the Equator, so the Coriolis Effect exists rather than disappearing.
- (D) The poles are the opposite of the Equator for this concept, because the Coriolis Effect is maximum there.
Concept
This tests the latitude-dependence of the Coriolis force in physical geography and climatology. RAS often asks it because it explains wind deflection, pressure belts, and cyclone formation in one compact idea.