Coriolis Frequency formula |
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| \( f \;=\; 2 \cdot \Omega \cdot sin(\theta) \) (Coriolis Frequency) | ||
| Symbol | English | Metric |
| \( f \) = Coriolis Frequency | \(deg\;/\;sec\) | \(rad\;/\;s\) |
| \( \Omega \) = Angular Velocity of the Earths Rotation | \(deg\;/\;sec\) | \(rad\;/\;s\) |
| \( \theta \) = Latitude | \(deg\) | \(rad\) |
Coriolis frequency, abbreviated as f, also called inertial frequency, is the natural frequency at which a parcel of fluid will oscillate due to the Coriolis effect on a rotating Earth. It is determined by the planet’s rotation rate and the latitude of the location, making it an important concept in oceanography, meteorology, and geophysical fluid dynamics. This frequency governs inertial oscillations in the atmosphere and oceans, which occur when the restoring force of the Coriolis effect balances horizontal motion. Near the equator, the Coriolis frequency approaches zero because the Coriolis force is weakest, while it reaches a maximum at the poles. Understanding Coriolis frequency helps explain large-scale phenomena such as ocean currents, atmospheric circulation, and the behavior of waves in rotating systems.
