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Waterspout - Definition and Overview |
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A waterspout is most frequent in tropical regions. It is a tornado that occurs on the surface of the water, occurring at sea or over inland water. Waterspouts form at the base of cumulus-type clouds and extend to the surface of the water where it picks up ocean spray.
Waterspouts are very similar in intensity to tornadoes, though usually are slightly less destructive. Most are not that powerful, and last usually 10-15 minutes. They can be extremely dangerous, though, not only to ships, but planes. It has been theorized by some that they are responsible for some or many disappearances in the Bermuda Triangle, an area where waterspouts are frequent.
Waterspouts are usually divided in two types: fair-weather and tornadic.
Both can be quite large. Fair-weather spouts are not usually a threat, though they can cause boaters trouble. They are almost always vertical. Tornadic spouts are usually dangerous and intimidating, and can be a danger to ships, planes, and swimmers. It is recommended to keep a considerable distance from any spout, and to always be on alert through weather reports.
Though they mostly occur in the tropics, they can seasonally appear in temperate areas. They are more frequent 100 kilometers (62 miles) from the coast than out in the open sea.
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