Quck answer
A waterspout is a tornado that occurs over a body of water, such as a lake or ocean. It is formed when warm air rises rapidly from the water’s surface and meets cooler air above. This creates a spinning column of air that extends downward from the cloud. Waterspouts can vary in size and intensity, ranging from weak and short-lived to strong and destructive. They are typically associated with severe thunderstorms and can pose a danger to boats and swimmers. Waterspouts are relatively common in certain parts of the world, such as the Mediterranean Sea and the Great Lakes region in the United States.
Have you ever noticed a small whirlpool when the water drains out of your bathtub? Imagine if that spinning water suddenly went up in the air. That’s what we call a waterspout! So, what exactly is a waterspout?
A waterspout is a large column of spinning water and air that resembles a tornado over the water. Although they share similarities, waterspouts and tornadoes are not the same. Some waterspouts, known as tornadic waterspouts, occur due to severe weather conditions. These can happen when tornadoes move from land to water or during intense storms. Like tornadoes, tornadic waterspouts can be extremely destructive and hazardous.
On the other hand, fair weather waterspouts can occur even in good weather conditions. Unlike tornadic waterspouts that descend from clouds to the water, fair weather waterspouts seem to form at the water’s surface. Fair weather waterspouts are more common than tornadic waterspouts.
Scientists are still studying the formation of fair weather waterspouts. However, they do know that warm water is necessary for their development. That’s why fair weather waterspouts are frequently observed in areas with warmer water, such as the Florida Keys, the coast of Greece, and the east coast of Australia. Nevertheless, waterspouts can form anywhere in the world if the water temperature is high enough. They can even occur in the Great Lakes of the United States!
Another crucial factor in the formation of waterspouts is the type of cloud. Waterspouts develop from cumulus clouds, which are the most common type of cloud. When cumulus clouds form over warm water, they can grow larger. If the right conditions are present, including light wind, high humidity, and warm water, a waterspout may form.
We also have a clear understanding of the stages of fair weather waterspouts. The first stage is characterized by a dark spot on the water’s surface, where the vortex or column of spinning water and air will form. Next, a light and dark spiral pattern appears around the dark spot. In the third stage, a ring of sea spray called a cascade develops, resembling an “eye” similar to that of a hurricane. The fourth stage is when the waterspout becomes visible and is known as the mature vortex. The final stage is the decay of the vortex, causing the waterspout to disappear.
You might be wondering how a waterspout differs from a tornado. In the past, scientists believed that they were nearly identical. However, we now know that tornadic waterspouts are similar to tornadoes, while fair weather waterspouts are distinct. Tornadoes typically form as part of larger storms, whereas fair weather waterspouts form in calm weather conditions. Additionally, waterspouts are generally weaker than most tornadoes. Tornadoes are measured on a scale of 0–5, while fair weather waterspouts only reach level 0. Although not as destructive as tornadoes, fair weather waterspouts can still pose risks to individuals in small watercraft or swimming.
There are various weather phenomena such as tornadoes and waterspouts. Waterspouts, in fact, belong to the category of whirlwinds. A whirlwind is a swirling column of air that forms a vortex. When a whirlwind occurs over water, it is referred to as a waterspout. Whirlwinds can also occur with dust, resulting in a dust devil, or with fire, causing a firestorm. Additionally, there are even phenomena called “snowspouts” and “haywhirls.” Numerous factors, including wind and specific weather conditions, can contribute to the formation of whirlwinds.
Have you ever witnessed a waterspout or any other type of whirlwind? How would you ensure your safety if you encountered one?
Try It Out
Let’s immerse ourselves in a whirlwind of learning!
- Have you ever seen a tornado or waterspout? Try creating one at home! With the assistance of an adult, use this link (or find another) to learn how. Share your creation with a friend or family member and explain the process of waterspout formation.
- How are tornadoes and waterspouts similar? How do they differ? Utilize the information from this Wonder and any additional sources you find to construct a Venn diagram comparing tornadoes and waterspouts. You can use materials you have or Canva to create your diagram. Afterwards, share the results with a friend or family member!
- Imagine what it would be like to witness a waterspout while boating or swimming. How would you feel? How would you ensure your safety? Using your imagination and the knowledge gained from this Wonder, write a narrative detailing what it might be like to personally witness a waterspout. Share your writing with a friend or family member.
Wonder Sources
- https://www.britannica.com/dictionary (accessed 31 Mar., 2023)
- https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/waterspout.html (accessed 6 Mar. 2023)
- https://oceantoday.noaa.gov/waterspouts/ (accessed 6 Mar. 2023)
- https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/waterspout/ (accessed 6 Mar. 2023)
- https://www.britannica.com/science/waterspout (accessed 7 Mar. 2023)
- https://www.britannica.com/science/whirlwind (accessed 7 Mar. 2023)
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