Coriolis Force and the great navigations of the 15th century

In this work, it will be presented how to determine the components of the Coriolis force vector on the spherical surface of the Earth and how this force induces the circuit of air and water currents, the so-called wind and marine currents of the oceans, especially in the Atlantic Ocean. These wind and marine currents were one of the driving forces of the vessels, powered by sail from the beginning of the great navigations in the 15th century, which, therefore, form circular paths, clockwise in the northern hemisphere and counterclockwise in the southern terrestrial hemisphere. In addition, an important result found is that, for situations in which vessels cross the equator line, an unusual circuit appears, similar to the infinity symbol of mathematics. This is the path that the Coriolis force creates for this type of vessel on voyages by the seas. We also present the analysis of the trajectories of the first four great navigations, all of which corroborate that this force was essential for the finding of the American continent, the Cape of Good Hope, Brazil, and the way to India.

Keywords:
Coriolis Force; Portuguese Navigations; Finding Brazil