Waterspouts

About Waterspouts

• It is a rotating column of air and mist forming a funnel over a body of water.
• They are associated with severe thunderstorms, and are often accompanied by high winds and seas, large hail, and frequent dangerous lightning.
• Classification: They are divided into two main types – tornadic waterspouts and fair-weather waterspouts.
  • Tornadic waterspouts are tornadoes that form over water or move from land onto water.
    • They are linked to severe thunderstorms and can bring strong winds, high waves, large hail, and dangerous lightning.
  • Fair-weather waterspouts usually form under developing cumulus clouds.
    • They are not normally connected to thunderstorms.
    • Unlike tornadic waterspouts, they begin at the surface of the water and move upward.
    • They usually form in light winds, so they tend to move very slowly.
• Stages of formation: Five stages of waterspout formation has been identified:
  • Dark Spot: A light-coloured circular area appears on the water, surrounded by a larger dark area.
  • Spiral Pattern: Light and dark bands begin to spiral outward from a dark spot on the water.
  • Spray Ring: A spinning ring of sea spray forms around the dark area, making it look like the eye of a hurricane.
  • Mature Vortex: The waterspout becomes fully developed, extending from the water to the clouds above. It reaches its greatest strength and may create a visible trail and waves on the water.
  • Decay: The waterspout weakens and disappears as the flow of warm air into the vortex decreases.
• Characteristics
  • They have the same characteristics as a land tornado.
  • It is generally less intense and usually lasts about five minutes. It can sometimes continue for up to 10 minutes.
  • An average waterspout is approximately 165 feet in diameter and can have wind speeds of around 100 kilometres per hour.
  • They typically form when humidity levels are high and the water is relatively warm compared with the cooler air above it.