At which location is the Coriolis force at its maximum?

Prepare for the New Zealand CPL Meteorology Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question offers hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The Coriolis force is a result of the Earth's rotation, which affects the motion of objects in the atmosphere and ocean. This force is dependent on the speed of the Earth's rotation and the latitude of the location in question. At the poles, the Coriolis force reaches its maximum because the full effect of the Earth's rotation can be observed.

At the poles, any movement of air or water has to account for the rotation of the Earth, which has the most influence due to the proximity to the axis of rotation. This means that small movements can result in significant deflections. Conversely, at the equator, the Coriolis force is zero because the rotational velocity of a point on the Earth's surface is at its highest, and the deflection thus cancels out.

In the tropics and mid-latitudes, the Coriolis force is significant but not as strong as at the poles. This is because, as you move away from the poles towards the equator, the effect of the Earth's rotation becomes less pronounced. Thus, the maximum value of the Coriolis force occurs at the poles, making it the correct answer.

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