Coriolis Brainstorm
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Hi, I'm Bryan Yeaton for The Weather Notebook.

Last month, the dog ate our homework, so to speak. Due to technical glitches our phone system didn't record any of the answers to our Coriolis Brainstorm. So, to give everyone a chance to be heard, we'll ask the question again, and for those of you who forgot your homework just pretend we had a surprise field trip last month so, you still have time to get that assignment in.

Again, if we use your answer on the air we'll send you a magical Weather Notebook mug suitable for placing on your desk to await the morning coffee.

Now, the Brainstorm.

Gaspard de Coriolis is famous for explaining mathematically, why global winds appear to curve: to the right in the Northern Hemisphere, and to the left south of the Equator. These winds curve right or left regardless of whether they are initially traveling North to South, or the reverse.

So, can you explain why this happens, in 30 seconds or less? And for extra credit, what‹if anything‹it has to do with an episode of The Simpsons? We will sport the answers on an upcoming program.

To get your answer to us, you can e-mail us at brainstorms@weathernotebook.org or give us a call toll free at (888) RAIN-001. That's (888) 724-6001. If you want to revisit this question, or get the contact information again, visit us at our website: www.weathernotebook.org.

Good Luck!

The Weather Notebook comes to you from the Mount Washington Observatory, through funding provided by Subaru, which turns equally well to the right or left. If you have a question or comment write to us at comments@weathernotebook.org. Thanks today to producer Margaret Landsman.