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Waterspout
What is a waterspout?
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A waterspout is a rapidly rotating column of air and water that extends from a cloud to the surface of a body of water, such as the ocean or a lake.
Here are some key facts about waterspouts:
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Formation: Waterspouts typically form over warm water bodies when there is instability in the lower atmosphere, often in association with thunderstorms or showers.
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Types: There are two main types of waterspouts:
a. Tornadic waterspouts – These are formed by the same processes that create tornadoes on land, with a rotating column of air that extends down to the water’s surface.
b. Fair weather waterspouts – These form from cumulus clouds with no association with thunderstorms and are generally less intense than tornadic waterspouts. -
Structure: Waterspouts have a funnel-shaped appearance, with the narrow end closest to the water and the wider end connected to the cloud above. They can range in size from just a few feet wide to over 100 feet in diameter.
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Lifespan: Waterspouts are generally short-lived, with most lasting less than 20 minutes, though some exceptional ones can persist for over an hour.
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Hazards: While fair weather waterspouts are generally less intense, both types can pose significant hazards to boats, ships, and coastal structures if they make landfall. They can capsize small vessels and damage onshore infrastructure.
Waterspouts are a common meteorological phenomenon in many coastal regions around the world, especially in subtropical and tropical areas. They are an interesting manifestation of the complex interactions between the atmosphere and the ocean.
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