Why does water spin in different directions at different parts of the world?

In summary, water spinning in different directions at different parts of the world is not true. This misconception comes from the observation that hurricanes follow this pattern, but it is actually caused by the Coriolis effect, which is due to the Earth's rotation and shape. As for the equator, check out the provided links for more information.
  • #1
Jack
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Why does water spin in different directions at different parts of the world?

Also, which way does it spin on the equator?
 
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  • #2


Originally posted by Jack
Why does water spin in different directions at different parts of the world?


If you are talking about the idea that water going down a drain in the Northern Hemisphere spins one direction and water the the Southern Hemisphere in the Other, It doesn't.

The Idea come from the fact that hurricanes follow this pattern. The reason for this behavior is The Coroilis effect.

The Coroilis effect is caused by the fact that the Earth is spinning and shaped like a sphere.


Also, which way does it spin on the equator?

check out the following links:
http://www.ems.psu.edu/~fraser/Bad/BadCoriolis.html

http://math.ucr.edu/home/baez/physi...al/bathtub.html [Broken]
 
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  • #3


Originally posted by Janus
If you are talking about the idea that water going down a drain in the Northern Hemisphere spins one direction and water the the Southern Hemisphere in the Other, It doesn't.

The Idea come from the fact that hurricanes follow this pattern. The reason for this behavior is The Coroilis effect.

The Coroilis effect is caused by the fact that the Earth is spinning and shaped like a sphere.







Oh, but in X-Files it does
 

1. Why does water spin in different directions at different parts of the world?

The direction of water spin is determined by the Coriolis Effect, which is caused by the Earth's rotation. As the Earth rotates, it creates a force that deflects moving objects, including water, to the right in the Northern Hemisphere and to the left in the Southern Hemisphere. This results in different directions of water spin in different parts of the world.

2. Does the rotation of the Earth impact the direction of water spin?

Yes, the rotation of the Earth is the main factor that affects the direction of water spin. Due to the Coriolis Effect, the Earth's rotation causes water to spin in different directions in different parts of the world.

3. Are there any other factors that influence the direction of water spin?

The direction of wind, shape of the coastline, and depth of the ocean can also affect the direction of water spin. These factors can create local variations in the direction of water spin, but the overall effect of the Earth's rotation remains the dominant factor.

4. Can the direction of water spin change over time?

Yes, the direction of water spin can change over time due to changes in the Earth's rotation or changes in the factors that influence water movement, such as wind patterns. However, these changes are gradual and not noticeable on a day-to-day basis.

5. Is there a specific pattern to the direction of water spin in different parts of the world?

Yes, there is a general pattern to the direction of water spin in different parts of the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, water spins counterclockwise around low-pressure areas and clockwise around high-pressure areas. In the Southern Hemisphere, the opposite is true. However, local variations can occur due to other factors, as mentioned earlier.

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