In this lesson developed by the Arctic Eider Society, students investigate the effect that the Earth’s rotation has on air currents and take it a step further by predicting the effects of the Coriolis force on ocean surface circulation in the Arctic Ocean.
1. Coriolis Effect
In this lesson, students first learn about the impact of the Earth’s rotation on wind, which in turn affects surface water currents and create gyres. Along with the Convective Cells lesson, they also look at atmospheric pressure and its impact on convection cells.
2. Demonstrations
The lesson suggests ways in which students can use manipulative materials in order to visualize and understand the Coriolis force and the global atmospheric circulation around the globe. Key questions focus on the impact of these phenomenons for sea ice.
Resources
- How does the climate system work?
- National Geographic video on Coriolis Effect
- PBS video on Coriolis Effect
- US National Snow and Ice Data Centre’s Arctic Climatology and Meteorology Section
- US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Arctic Theme Page.
