Why Coriolis Force Impacts Wind Direction, Not Speed

[no idea]

why doesn't Coriolis force affect the wind speed but only the wind direction?

 

[matthyaouw]

As far as i know, it does, but air pressure is the dominant factor in controling speed, so the affect of coriolis force becomes less apparent.

 

[ravenprp]

The Coriolis force is a result of the Earth's rotation and causes a deflection in the path of moving objects, including winds. This deflection is always to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This is because the Earth's rotation causes the surface of the Earth to move faster at the equator than at the poles.

The Coriolis force does not directly impact the speed of the wind because it is not a force that can accelerate or decelerate the wind. Instead, it acts as a guiding force that influences the direction of the wind. The wind speed is primarily determined by the pressure gradient force, which is the difference in air pressure between two locations. This force causes air to move from areas of high pressure to areas of low pressure, resulting in wind.

The Coriolis force and the pressure gradient force work together to determine the direction and speed of the wind. The Coriolis force deflects the wind to the right or left, while the pressure gradient force determines the overall speed and direction of the wind. Therefore, the Coriolis force affects the wind direction, but not the wind speed.

In summary, the Coriolis force impacts wind direction because it is a guiding force that causes the wind to deflect to the right or left. However, it does not directly affect the wind speed, which is primarily determined by the pressure gradient force.