For K-12 Students · Coriolis Effect
Coriolis Effect for a squall line
Built for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework. Simulate a squall line live below — adjust the inputs and watch it respond, right in your browser.
Coriolis EffectLive
why winds and currents curve
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On a spinning planet, anything moving freely appears to curve — right in the Northern Hemisphere, left in the Southern. This Coriolis deflection is zero at the equator and strongest at the poles. It steers winds, ocean currents, and the rotation of hurricanes, and it is why weather systems spin.
Data Inspector
Latitude45°
Deflectionto the right
Strength71%
Governing equation
Reading this result: Deflection scales with sin(latitude), so at 45° the force is about 71% of its polar maximum, curving motion to the right (Northern Hemisphere).
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Frequently asked questions
- Is this good for k-12 students?
- Yes — this version of "Coriolis Effect for a squall line" is framed for k-12 students learning it in middle or high school. Watch the idea come alive with plain-language steps and everyday examples — perfect for projects and homework.
- Do I need to install anything?
- No. It runs in any modern browser, free, with no account required.