Uganda
Just a note regarding Martin Stott's experiences at the equator in
Uganda - at the end of this e-mail I've included a few links that
explain the Coriolis effect, but since many of them include
mathematical equations that make my eyes glaze over, let me summarize:
While there is a Coriolis effect, the effect doesn't work on small
bodies of water (such as the young demonstrator's basin) except under
strict laboratory conditions, and the young man Stott encountered was
doubtless encouraging the spin of the water to demonstrate a
misunderstood science effect for countless tourists who, when it
comes to science, are, as Stott said "thick as two short planks".
(That physicist he talked to later should have known better, though.)
http://www.urbanlegends.com/science/coriolis/coriolis_force_tyson_debu
nking.html
http://www.urbanlegends.com/science/coriolis/coriolis_force_sci_physic
s_faq.html
Joe
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