Why are they called dust devils?
Why are they called dust devils?
Dust devils get their name from the dust they pick up and spin into the air. As the warm air quickly rises through cooler air above, a shallow layer of instability which creates a small area of low pressure. A vortex of low pressure develops which draws even more warm air into the swiftly rotating column of air.
Where are dust devils most common?
Observers report dust whirls almost daily during the hot season over the Sahara as well as the arid regions of Australia and the southwestern United States. They also are common over sections of India and the Middle East. Dust devils occur most frequently under hot, clear-sky conditions with light winds.
What’s the difference between a tornado and a dust devil?
A tornado must originate from clouds. If the vortex extends from the ground to the funnel at the base of the cloud, it is then classified at a tornado. In comparison, dust devils originate from a whirlwind on the ground and typically do not grow very big.
Can you get hurt in a dust devil?
Dust devils typically do not cause injuries, but rare, severe dust devils have caused damage and even deaths in the past. Based on the degree of damage left behind, it is estimated that the dust devil produced winds as high as 75 mph (120 km/h), which is equivalent to an EF-0 tornado.
How long does a dust devil last?
Usually, they last less than a minute, with wind gusts averaging 45 miles per hour. However, they can grow to nearly 300 feet in diameter and 1,000 feet tall with sustained winds of 60 mph and can last up to 20 minutes.
Has anyone died from a dust devil?
Dust devils typically do not cause injuries, but rare, severe dust devils have caused damage and even deaths in the past. Several injuries were reported, but there were no fatalities.
What creates dust devils?
Dust devils are most likely to develop when skies are clear and winds are light. In these conditions, ground temperatures can become much warmer than the air just above the surface. That creates an unstable environment which causes the surface air to rise.
Is it safe to touch a dust devil?
