Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect is a phenomenon that affects the path of moving objects on the surface of the Earth. It is caused by the rotation of the Earth and results in the deflection of air and water currents as well as the paths of moving objects such as missiles, bullets, and airplanes.

Cause of the Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect is caused by the rotation of the Earth. As the Earth spins on its axis from west to east, objects that move across the Earth's surface are deflected to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This deflection is due to the difference in linear velocity at different latitudes.

Effects of the Coriolis Effect

The Coriolis Effect has several important effects on the Earth's systems, including:

Deflection of wind and ocean currents
Formation of ocean gyres
Path of moving objects

Real-life Examples

Some real-life examples of the Coriolis Effect include:

The deflection of trade winds and westerlies
The formation of the Gulf Stream in the Atlantic Ocean
The deflection of ballistic missiles and artillery shells

Study Tips

To understand the Coriolis Effect, consider the following study tips:

Learn about the Earth's rotation and its impact on moving objects
Understand the concept of angular momentum and its role in the Coriolis Effect
Study real-life examples of the Coriolis Effect in action
Practice solving problems related to the Coriolis Effect, such as calculating the deflection of wind and ocean currents

◂Science Worksheets and Study Guides Sixth Grade. Plate Tectonics

Vocabulary/Answer key

Plate Tectonics

Vocabulary/Answer key

Plate Tectonics

Vocabulary/Answer key

Plate Tectonics

Vocabulary/Answer key

Plate Tectonics

The resources above cover the following skills:

EARTH AND SPACE SCIENCE

Earth’s Systems

Use evidence to explain how different geologic processes shape Earth’s history over widely varying scales of space and time (e.g., chemical and physical erosion; tectonic plate processes; volcanic eruptions; meteor impacts; regional geographical features, including Alabama fault lines, Rickwood Caverns, and Wetumpka Impact Crater).

Provide evidence from data of the distribution of fossils and rocks, continental shapes, and seafloor structures to explain past plate motions.

Use models to explain how the flow of Earth’s internal energy drives a cycling of matter between Earth’s surface and deep interior causing plate movements (e.g., mid-ocean ridges, ocean trenches, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains, rift valleys, volcanic islands).