Chapter 30, Problem 16TE

If Earth were not spinning, in what direction would the surface winds blow where you live? In what direction does it actually blow on Earth at $15°\text{S}$ latitude and why?

To determine

The direction of the surface wind if Earth is not spinning and the direction of the surface wind on Earth at 15 degree south latitude and its reason.

Answer to Problem 16TE

If the Earth were not spinning, the surface wind would blow from the equator to poles in a vertical circle. At 15 degree south latitude, the direction in which the wind actually blows is towards the low equatorial drum.

Explanation of Solution

The rotation of the Earth causes all moving objects like snowballs, missiles, aircraft as well as air and water to deflect from the straight-line path. The force which is responsible for deflection is known as Coriolis force. This Coriolis force is absent at the equator of the Earth, and it prevents a simple direct flow from the equator to the poles.

So if the Earth were not spinning, there would not be Coriolis force, and the deflection of the surface winds would blow from the equator to the poles in a vertical circle and at 15 degrees south latitude, the wind would actually blow towards low equatorial drums.

Conclusion:

Therefore, if the Earth were not spinning, the surface wind would blow from the equator to poles in a vertical circle. At 15 degree south latitude, the direction in which the wind actually blows is towards the low equatorial drum.