You Probably Experience the Coriolis Effect Every Day

ToiletThe Coriolis Effect

Without knowing it, you probably experience the Coriolis Effect every day while going through your normal routines.

Whether you are in the northern hemisphere or the southern hemisphere, water flowing in large volume circulates in a certain direction due to the motion and axis of the earth.

This affects water, clouds, wind.  Generally, because of the small volume, it doesn’t affect water in sinks, bath tubs, or toilets.

But doesn’t it affect toilets also?

No, generally the flow in toilets is determined by the physical valve structure of the flush routine which “forces” the water in a certain direction.

References:

  1. Library of Congress – Does water go down the drain counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere?
  2. Opera of the Dvandom, Dave Van Domelen – A (Hopefully) Simple Explanation of the Coriolis Force