Whirlpools: Facts, Formation, Survival Tips

Fast currents of oceans and rivers constantly change direction. Whirlpools are a phenomenon that occurs when two waters moving in different directions come into contact with each other and interact in an unusual way. They cannot keep moving at the same speed and direction with each other, so they are forced to turn around and swirl with each other.

Depending on the amount of water Power Whirlpools can appear in different sizes in colliding waters. Some whirlpools form and disappear in a short period of time, but some water systems maintain whirlpools for centuries. Near Graparks Website. The larger and more dangerous whirlpools are called Maelstroms. These have the power to fatally swallow people who are too close.

Whirlpool formation

How to survive the vortex

Whirlpools are not as devastating as depicted in fiction, like the Whirlpool Battle at Pirates of the Caribbean. But according to the book, they pose a danger to people and small boats. Most people do not experience the confinement of the vortex force, but for many, such as kayakers, it is useful to know how to survive it.

According to world champion Kayaker Ken Whitening, Life jackets, helmets, and other protective equipment should always be worn when entering water.These can protect you from Harsh flow Surrounding vortex. If you see signs of whirlpools, it is advisable to stay out of the water.

When entering a whirlpool, you should aim at the outer edges, not the center, rather than moving in the same direction as the water flow. When riding a boat or kayak, make sure the boat is not filled with water.In some cases, the whirlpool may get you back Smithsonian Magazine..

The force of whirlpools can be difficult to predict from their appearance. (Image credit: Getty Images)

World famous whirlpool

Salt & Straw

In Norway, one of the strongest tides in the world is in a small strait south of the city of Bodo. world map.. When the Skjerstad fjord and the Salten fjord are linked, the water can move at 10 meters per second, creating this huge vortex 32.8 feet (10 meters) wide and 16.4 feet (5 meters) deep.

Old saw

The Old Saw, formed in the waters between Kashima and Moose in Canada, is one of the largest whirlpools in the Western Hemisphere. They come in a variety of sizes and are approximately 250 feet (76 meters) in diameter. Usually, some small vortices surround it.

When it comes to

Between Tokushima and Hyogo in Japan, the whirlpool Naruto can form up to 66 feet (20 meters) in diameter. At the ebb and flow of the spring tide, water enters the narrow Naruto Strait at 12 mph.

Corryvreckan

Located between two rocks off the west coast of Scotland, this vortex is created by a non-uniform seafloor. Deep holes and basalt spire speed up the flowing water. It is considered to be the third largest whirlpool in the world.

Moskstraumen

In the Norwegian Sea, between Moskenesøya and the southern part of Moskenesøya, it is the second strongest whirlpool in the world. The maximum is about 160 feet (49 meters) in diameter.

Additional resources

You can read more about Naruto Whirlpools in Japan Japan Guide Website. To find out more about the giant Lofoten Islands swirl, visit the following website: Nature.com..