Question #e3f11

1 Answer
Apr 24, 2017

Generally, yes. But the movement of the atmosphere may not be that similar to that of the Earth.

Explanation:

As a whole, the atmosphere above the surface of the Earth moves along with the Earth. This explains why airplanes movements are not affected by the Earth's spin.

However, when winds are considered, the rotation of the Earth actually results in Coriolis force which deflects winds from their straight path.

Though all latitudes of the Earth have the same angular velocity, the radii of circular motion differ. Thus, the angular momentum at different latitudes of the Earth will be different.

When winds move vertically upwards or downwards, they deflect left or right due to the law of conservation of angular momentum. Major winds deflect right in the N hemisphere and left in the S hemisphere.