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The strength of the Coriolis effect depends on

A. the tilt of a planet's axis.
B. a planet's size and rotation rate.
C. a planet's temperature.
D. a planet's distance from the Sun.
E. the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.

User Ctbrown
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Final answer:

The strength of the Coriolis effect mainly depends on a planet's size and rotation rate, significantly influencing large-scale atmospheric motions such as wind patterns.

Step-by-step explanation:

The strength of the Coriolis effect depends on several factors; none of which include a planet's temperature, its axis tilt, its distance from the Sun, or the amount of greenhouse gases in its atmosphere. Instead, it is principally influenced by the planet's size and rotation rate. The Coriolis force has negligible effects for small-scale motions due to Earth's small angular velocity. However, for large-scale motions, such as wind patterns and atmospheric circulation, the Coriolis force becomes substantial.

For example, in the Northern Hemisphere, the rotation of hurricanes counterclockwise is a major consequence of the Coriolis force, where it deflects the wind to the right. In the Southern Hemisphere, the Coriolis force leads to the opposite direction of rotation in tropical cyclones. Moreover, the Coriolis effect is also the reason for the smearing out of circulation patterns into horizontal east-west patterns seen on rapidly rotating gas giants that lack a solid surface.

User PMental
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