How does the Coriolis effect impact artillery firing?

The Coriolis effect is a key factor in the trajectory of projectiles fired over long distances, especially in artillery. As the Earth rotates, different points on its surface move at different velocities, which can cause a noticeable drift in the path of a projectile.

For artillery firing, this means that as a projectile travels through the atmosphere toward its target, the ground moves beneath it due to the rotation of the Earth. As a result, the projectile appears to veer off course from the intended firing line. This deflection varies depending on the latitude of the firing location — it's more pronounced at higher latitudes.

Understanding this effect is crucial for long-range artillery calculations because it directly impacts firing accuracy and the necessary adjustments that gunners must make in their targeting solutions. Thus, the statement that the Coriolis effect causes projectiles to drift off-course due to Earth’s rotation is indeed accurate.