Introduction to Whirlwind
A rapid round and round movement of a column of air in a cylindrical or funnel shape are called a Whirlwind. The movement is continuous and the intensity of the wind whirl increases over the duration if weather conditions are unfavourable. The whirlwind of activity is very impulsive and can drastically change overnight. A windwhirl can also be a violent or destructive force or agency that is accompanied by a loud roaring noise.
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Features of a Whirlwind
The columnar vortex of rapidly swirling air has a small diameter.
The whirlwinds happen more often than one may assume in the form of small eddies.
Not every wind whirl can be applied to the atmospheric vortex rather they are due to sand, dust, hay, leaves, snow etc.
Some whirlwinds cause more turbulence and their features are more prominent in the atmosphere and the effects can be extreme.
The atmospheric pressure at the centre of the whirlwind is relatively lesser.
Usually, the axis of rotation of the whirlwind is vertical and in some portions of the wind whirl, it can even be inclined.
The rotational direction of the whirlwind which is smaller can be both clockwise and counterclockwise.
The wind and outside forces and agencies direct the direction of the rotation in case of larger or major whirlwinds.
Types of Whirlwind
All the types of whirlwind reach the ground and it can occur in open landscapes or even in cities with skyscrapers. There are two types of the whirlwind and it is divided as the greater or major whirlwinds and the lesser or the minor windwhirl. The criteria for division of them is based on the formation, speed and intensity of the wind during the windwhirl.
Major Whirlwind- The atmospheric vortex of the swirling air can constitute a continuum and are indefinite and easily identifiable. It includes;
Waterspouts - The columnar vortex in this case occurs over a water body like the oceans.
Tornadoes - It is also called a cyclone or twister. It also has similar features like a whirlwind. The volume of air in case of a tornado rotates violently and is in contact with both the ground that is the earth surface and the cloud in a cumulonimbus form which is basically a dense cloud that is towering vertically downwards.
Landspouts - Forms during the growth stage of the tornado in a cumulus congestus cloud and a swirl of air rise vertically like a whirlwind.
The formation of a major whirlwind is when the funnel forming from the cloud is clearly visible when the storm starts to spin in combination with the high altitude winds. It lasts for many many hours and interrupting such a larger whirlwind is very difficult. Supercell thunderstorms and other powerful storms are seen prior to a major whirlwind.
Minor Whirlwind - Formation of the minor whirlwind occurs when local winds start to spin on the ground causing a funnel to form and pick up snow, dust and other debris that makes a visible swirl like a whirlwind. It lasts for mere minutes and when it encounters a building it can be easily interrupted and thus stops. The minor whirlwinds are dust devils that can travel even from areas that are far across. Small, semi-powerful "wind blasts" are seen prior to such minor whirlwinds.
Safety During Major and Minor Whirlwinds
Even though minor whirlwinds are less dangerous and do not create more havoc than the larger major ones. But due to dust devils, a kind of minor whirlwind many deaths have been reported due to it so one must ensure safety during all times when there is a probability of a whirlwind. Since prior to the whirlwinds weather conditions indicate its arrival we can prepare for our safety.
Going to a room with no windows like the basement or any rooms on the lowest floor, even a bathroom, closet, or the centre hallway will be a safe place.
Cover your body with a blanket, mattress or a sleeping bag and if possible hide under any sturdy surface below the desk or a bed.
Ensure to keep an emergency kit that should include water, medication, over the counter drugs, non-perishable food at your disposal.
Be ready to evacuate if the situation is out of hand one must displace.
Do not stay put in a vehicle when you are warned of the danger.
Always stay updated about the weather conditions which is the most important step to be prepared for the above-mentioned steps.
Conclusion
Whirlwinds are a natural phenomenon of the earth due to atmospheric changes but when the condition is extreme it becomes dangerous and one must prepare to defend themselves in such situations. Being prepared for any emergencies and having a place to hide out and stay away from the possibility of a major whirlwind and even the minor one can with time become a critical reason for survival. Ensure the safety of your family members and all the ones around you.
FAQs on Whirlwind
1. What is a whirlwind in geography?
In geography, a whirlwind is a general term for a column of air that rotates rapidly around a more or less vertical axis. It is created by atmospheric instabilities and can range in size and power from small, harmless dust devils to large, destructive tornadoes. Essentially, it is any weather phenomenon involving a swirling vortex of wind.
2. What are the main types of whirlwinds?
Whirlwinds are broadly classified into two main categories based on their scale and formation mechanism:
Major Whirlwinds: These are large, powerful, and often destructive. They are associated with severe weather systems like thunderstorms. Examples include tornadoes, which form over land, and waterspouts, which form over water.
Minor Whirlwinds: These are smaller, weaker, and typically form in fair weather. They are generally not as dangerous as major whirlwinds. Examples include dust devils, fire whirls, and steam devils.
3. What is the difference between a whirlwind and a tornado?
While all tornadoes are a type of whirlwind, not all whirlwinds are tornadoes. The main difference lies in their formation and intensity. A tornado is a specific, powerful type of whirlwind that must be connected to a cumulonimbus cloud (a thunderstorm cloud). Other whirlwinds, like dust devils, form from the ground up on sunny days and are not associated with thunderstorms. Therefore, a tornado is a major whirlwind, whereas the term 'whirlwind' can also refer to much weaker phenomena.
4. How are whirlwinds formed and what causes them to stop?
Whirlwinds form when a rising column of air, or an updraft, begins to rotate. This rotation can be triggered by various factors, such as wind shear (changing wind speed or direction with height) or intense surface heating that creates atmospheric instability. A whirlwind stops or dissipates when the conditions that sustain its rotation are removed. This can happen if it moves over a cooler surface, which weakens the updraft, or if the surrounding wind patterns change and disrupt the vortex.
5. How dangerous are different types of whirlwinds to people and property?
The danger level varies significantly with the type of whirlwind. Minor whirlwinds like dust devils are usually harmless, with wind speeds rarely strong enough to cause significant damage. However, major whirlwinds, particularly tornadoes, are extremely dangerous. Their intense rotating winds can reach speeds of over 300 km/h, leading to the complete destruction of buildings, uprooting of trees, and posing a severe threat to human life.
6. Can a small whirlwind like a dust devil turn into a large tornado?
No, a dust devil cannot turn into a tornado. This is a common misconception. They are formed by entirely different meteorological processes. A dust devil is a small-scale updraft that begins rotating due to intense surface heating on a clear day. In contrast, a tornado is a large-scale vortex that descends from a rotating supercell thunderstorm. The immense energy and specific atmospheric conditions required for a tornado are fundamentally different from those that create a dust devil.
7. Where are whirlwinds most commonly found and why?
The location depends on the type of whirlwind. Dust devils are common in hot, dry, and desert regions because their formation requires intense solar heating of a flat, arid surface. In contrast, tornadoes are most frequently found in mid-latitude regions where cold, dry polar air clashes with warm, moist tropical air, creating the severe thunderstorms necessary for their development. Waterspouts are common over warm tropical and subtropical ocean waters.
8. What are some real-world examples of whirlwinds beyond tornadoes and dust devils?
Besides the common examples, nature produces other fascinating types of whirlwinds:
Fire Whirls: Sometimes called 'firenadoes', these are rotating columns of fire and ash that can form during intense wildfires. The extreme heat from the fire creates a powerful updraft that can start to rotate.
Steam Devils: These form when very cold, dry air passes over a much warmer body of water. The rising water vapour (steam) condenses and is spun into a vortex, often seen over lakes or seas in arctic regions.
Gustnadoes: These are short-lived, shallow, surface-based swirls that can form along the gust front of a thunderstorm. They are not connected to the cloud base and are generally weaker than tornadoes.
