The amazing composition of the atmosphere goes much further than just a bubble of gases that provides us with adequate oxygen. It is made up of different layers with various molecules and at different temperatures. Air currents cross the sky in different directions and give rise to the most amazing meteorological phenomena. And although there are some that are widely recognized as hurricanes that are responsible for releasing the energy of the planet, there are others that are not so common and when they appear, they surprise their viewers. The ‘water sleeves’ form in the air and generally fly over water bodiesbut to understand what it is and how they are formed, we must delve into some basic concepts.
What are waterspouts or waterspouts?
There are different types of clouds depending on their composition, temperature and formation. But among all the types, there are two whose relevance we will need to understand the water hoses. The so-called cumulus clouds, which are those that give the sky a cottony appearance with its pristine white. And the cumulonimbus clouds, whose magnitude stands out above any other type of cloud, are very dense groups of clouds that generally announce the presence of storms.
The water hoses or also known as waterspout usually form below these two types of clouds. And they act as a kind of amazing union between the watery bodies and the clouds in the sky. For this reason, they usually form in places such as seas with warm temperatures, although they can also occur in much cooler climates. A rotating vortex begins to ascend from the air layers closest to the water, where the air is more humid and can condense when there is a sudden change in atmospheric pressure. This forms a rotating funnel that ascends to the cumulus clouds. Although it can also happen that it does not always touch the body of water and from afar the appearance of an incomplete tornado over the sea.
An image says more than a thousand explanations
This phenomenon was recently observed off the coast of Cuba and the images obtained by network users show the great importance of the water sleeves. In the video you can seer the great rotating jet of steam and water that failed to touch the sea. Sometimes the waterspouts are usually accompanied by lightning and storms, which is why they are feared.
Hoje uma rara tromba d'água semelhante a um tornado foi registrada em Cuba 🇨🇺! De acordo com o Centro Meteorológico Provincial de Cienfuegos, a tromba d'água foi vista entre as 16h50 e as 17h00 (horário local). Nenhum dano foi relatado. pic.twitter.com/qGGPwtSkYV
— Prof° Fernando Carlos (@profgeofernando) October 17, 2021
However, as the Meteorology Center of Cienfuegos, Cuba explains, generally the waterspouts are not dangerous for the mainland. They are indeed weaker compared to a tornado or hurricane. Although when it comes to navigation the matter changes. In that case they can represent a danger to approach them, so their precautions must be taken.
Sometimes we make the mistake of believing that all natural phenomena have been well studied by science and we know everything about them. But the water hoses are the clear example that nature can surprise us at the least expected moments. In these cases we only have to admire its great imposing beauty.
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