With reference to "Coriolis force", which of the following statements is/are correct?

1. It increases with increase in wind velocity.

2. It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator.

Select the answer using the code given below :

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE Prelims 2024: General Studies Official Paper
View all UPSC Civil Services Papers >
  1. 1 only
  2. 2 only
  3. Both 1 and 2
  4. Neither 1 nor 2

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Both 1 and 2
Free
UPSC Civil Services Prelims General Studies Free Full Test 1
100 Qs. 200 Marks 120 Mins

Detailed Solution

Download Solution PDF

The correct answer is Option 3.Key PointsCoriolis force:

  • It increases with increase in wind velocity. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
    • Coriolis Force: The Coriolis force is an apparent force caused by the rotation of the Earth. It acts perpendicular to the direction of motion of a moving object and is proportional to the object's speed and the rotation rate of the Earth.
    • Wind Velocity: The Coriolis force does indeed increase with the increase in the velocity of the wind. Faster moving air is more strongly deflected by the Coriolis force.
  • It is maximum at the poles and is absent at the equator. Hence, statement 2 is correct.
    • Geographic Variation: The Coriolis force is dependent on the latitude. It is zero at the equator because the rotational speed of the Earth is parallel to the direction of motion, meaning there is no deflection. As you move towards the poles, the effect of the Coriolis force increases because the Earth's rotation has a more significant component perpendicular to the motion.
    • Maximum at Poles: The Coriolis force reaches its maximum value at the poles.

Latest UPSC Civil Services Updates

Last updated on Jul 7, 2025

-> UPSC Mains 2025 Exam Date is approaching! The Mains Exam will be conducted from 22 August, 2025 onwards over 05 days!

-> Check the Daily Headlines for 4th July UPSC Current Affairs.

-> UPSC Launched PRATIBHA Setu Portal to connect aspirants who did not make it to the final merit list of various UPSC Exams, with top-tier employers.

-> The UPSC CSE Prelims and IFS Prelims result has been released @upsc.gov.in on 11 June, 2025. Check UPSC Prelims Result 2025 and UPSC IFS Result 2025.

-> UPSC Launches New Online Portal upsconline.nic.in. Check OTR Registration Process.

-> Check UPSC Prelims 2025 Exam Analysis and UPSC Prelims 2025 Question Paper for GS Paper 1 & CSAT.

-> UPSC Exam Calendar 2026. UPSC CSE 2026 Notification will be released on 14 January, 2026. 

-> Calculate your Prelims score using the UPSC Marks Calculator.

-> Go through the UPSC Previous Year Papers and UPSC Civil Services Test Series to enhance your preparation

-> The NTA has released UGC NET Answer Key 2025 June on is official website.

-> The AIIMS Paramedical Admit Card 2025 Has been released on 7th July 2025 on its official webiste.

More Climatology Questions

Hot Links: teen patti teen patti casino apk teen patti fun teen patti gold apk download teen patti 51 bonus