Pylväsmyrsky

Pylväsmyrsky, known in English as a dust devil or whirlwind, is a meteorologically fascinating phenomenon. It occurs when a rapidly rotating column of air forms near the ground. These vortices are typically a few meters tall and a meter wide, though larger ones can occur.

Dust devils are usually generated on hot, clear, and dry days when the ground surface heats up unevenly. This uneven heating creates pockets of warmer, less dense air that rise rapidly. As the air ascends, it can begin to rotate, especially if there are small existing air currents or terrain features that encourage this spinning motion. The rapidly rising and rotating air picks up dust, sand, and debris from the surface, making the vortex visible.

While visually striking, most dust devils are relatively weak and cause little to no damage. They are typically short-lived, lasting from a few seconds to several minutes before dissipating. However, exceptionally strong dust devils, though rare, can generate wind speeds sufficient to cause minor damage to unsecured objects. They are common in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide, such as deserts and open plains, where the necessary conditions of dry ground and intense solar heating are prevalent.