For a geostrophic wind from 090 at 25 knots, where does the Coriolis force point?

For a geostrophic wind from 090 at 25 knots, where does the Coriolis force point?

• A. East
• B. West
• C. To the north
• D. To the south

Answer: (C)

In the context of geostrophic wind, the Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the direction of the wind and is directed to the right of the wind's path in the Northern Hemisphere. Since the wind is coming from 090 degrees (i.e., blowing toward 270 degrees, which is west) at 25 knots, the Coriolis force will be directed to the right of this wind direction. Thus, when we visualize this, if you are facing west (270 degrees), turning to your right would point you north. Therefore, the Coriolis force would indeed point to the north when acting on a geostrophic wind that is coming from 090 degrees. Understanding the relationship between wind direction and the Coriolis force is crucial for interpreting weather patterns and dynamics, especially when dealing with larger-scale winds like those often analyzed in aviation meteorology.

In the context of geostrophic wind, the Coriolis force acts perpendicular to the direction of the wind and is directed to the right of the wind's path in the Northern Hemisphere. Since the wind is coming from 090 degrees (i.e., blowing toward 270 degrees, which is west) at 25 knots, the Coriolis force will be directed to the right of this wind direction.

Thus, when we visualize this, if you are facing west (270 degrees), turning to your right would point you north. Therefore, the Coriolis force would indeed point to the north when acting on a geostrophic wind that is coming from 090 degrees.

Understanding the relationship between wind direction and the Coriolis force is crucial for interpreting weather patterns and dynamics, especially when dealing with larger-scale winds like those often analyzed in aviation meteorology.