Coriolis effect
The Coriolis effect or force describes how objects not firmly connected to the ground deflect as they travel long distances around the Earth. In particular patterns in the direction of air within cells caused by the spinning of the earth.
The surface of the earth rotates faster at the equator, further from the axis than it does at the poles nearer the axis. So in 24-hours areas at the equator shift at nearly 1,000 miles an hour, whilst nearer the poles, the rotation speed is a mere 0.00005 miles an hour. This means there is in effect a greater deflection of objects not touching the earths surface at the equator than at the poles, which impacts most of the weather patterns in the earths atmosphere.
Such patterns are also impacted by jet streams which are narrow bands of strong winds that occur in the upper levels of the atmosphere and follow the boundaries between hot and cold air. These stream winds blow from west to east but also shift between the north and south.
[edit] External Links
https://earth.nullschool.net/#current/wind/surface/level/orthographic=-348.38,27.01,285
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Atmosphere
- Atmospheric pressure.
- Adaptability.
- Adaptation.
- Alternative futures for heritage.
- Biosphere.
- Business resilience.
- Changing lifestyles.
- Buildings that help rebuild lives and communities.
- Design Summer Year (DSY)
- Design flexibility.
- Designing resilient cities: a guide to good practice (EP 103).
- Earthquake Design Practice for Buildings.
- Environmental plan.
- Environmental policy.
- Flood level.
- Hydrosphere.
- Hurricane design considerations.
- Horizon scanning.
- Interferometric synthetic aperture radar InSAR.
- Lunar architecture.
- Lithosphere.
- Managing and responding to disaster.
- Resilience.
- Risk assessment.
- Space architecture.
- Sustainability.
- Two steps towards a more resilient world.
Featured articles and news
The UK’s largest air pollution campaign.
Future Homes Standard, now includes solar, but what else?
Will the new standard, due to in the Autumn, go far enough in terms of performance ?
BSRIA Briefing: Cleaner Air, Better tomorrow
A look back at issues relating to inside and outside air quality, discussed during the BSRIA briefing in 2023.
Restoring Abbotsford's hothouse
Bringing the writer Walter Scott's garden to life.
Reflections on the spending review with CIAT.
Retired firefighter cycles world to raise Grenfell funds
Leaving on 14 June 2025 Stephen will raise money for youth and schools through the Grenfell Foundation.
Key points for construction at a glance with industry reactions.
Functionality, visibility and sustainability
The simpler approach to specification.
Architects, architecture, buildings, and inspiration in film
The close ties between makers and the movies, with our long list of suggested viewing.
SELECT three-point plan for action issued to MSPs
Call for Scottish regulation, green skills and recognition of electrotechnical industry as part of a manifesto for Scottish Parliamentary elections.
UCEM becomes the University of the Built Environment
Major milestone in its 106-year history, follows recent merger with London School of Architecture (LSE).
Professional practical experience for Architects in training
The long process to transform the nature of education and professional practical experience in the Architecture profession following recent reports.
A people-first approach to retrofit
Moving away from the destructive paradigm of fabric-first.
International Electrician Day, 10 June 2025
Celebrating the role of electrical engineers from André-Marie Amperè, today and for the future.
New guide for clients launched at Houses of Parliament
'There has never been a more important time for clients to step up and ...ask the right questions'
The impact of recycled slate tiles
Innovation across the decades.
EPC changes for existing buildings
Changes and their context as the new RdSAP methodology comes into use from 15 June.