What happens to the Coriolis effect near the equator?

The Coriolis deflection decreases as latitude decreases, until it is zero at the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, the sense of Earth’s rotation is counterclockwise as seen from above the North Pole.

Does water really drain the opposite direction in the Southern Hemisphere?

The water drains counter-clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere — just the opposite of what it should be doing according to the Coriolis effect. Also, objects need to be much further away from the equator for the Coriolis force to have any effect on them.

Why do toilets flush backwards south of the equator?

The Coriolis effect is probably the most scientific excuse humans have for staring into toilet bowls. The effect makes objects on the Earth curve when they should go straight, and it’s why some people insist that toilet bowls flush in the opposite direction on the southern hemisphere than in the northern hemisphere.

Does the water in Australia spin the other way?

Because of the rotation of the Earth, the Coriolis effect means that hurricanes and other giant storm systems swirl counter-clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere, and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. In theory, the draining water in a toilet bowl (or a bathtub, or any vessel) should do the same.

Where is Coriolis effect weakest?

the equator
The Coriolis effect is the reason objects flying or flowing above the Earth’s surface deflect from their originally intended direction. The effect is strongest at the poles and weakest at the equator.

Why does my toilet flush counter clockwise?

Likewise, the rotation of the earth gives rise to an effect that tends to accelerate draining water in a clockwise direction in the Northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the Southern.

Is the Coriolis effect true?

It is only for show, however; there is no real effect. Yes, there is such a thing as the Coriolis effect, but it is not enough to dominate the flushing of a toilet–and the effect is weakest at the equator. Coriolis acceleration at mid-latitudes is about one ten-millionth the acceleration of gravity.

Why do hurricanes spin in opposite directions?

Particles traveling from the equator to the south experience a similar curve in the opposite direction. This creates a circular spinning pattern as air travels from areas of high pressure to low pressure. That’s why hurricanes originating in the northern hemisphere rotate counterclockwise.

How does water drain on the equator?

Objects not attached to the surface of the earth (water in a sink going down a drain) will create a vortex going the opposite direction. So in the Northern hemisphere, it moves clockwise. In the Southern hemisphere, it moves counter clockwise. On the equator, water goes straight down.