Whirlpools and maelstroms are not as large or powerful as tornadoes and hurricanes primarily due to the differences in energy capacity between air and water. Water's higher density requires significantly more energy to achieve similar movement compared to air. While extensive circular ocean currents can reach sizes comparable to hurricanes, they exhibit different dynamics and effects, often resulting in less dramatic outcomes. The angular momentum of these currents is greater, but the impact is less pronounced than that of atmospheric phenomena.
PREREQUISITESStudents of meteorology, oceanographers, and anyone interested in the comparative dynamics of atmospheric and aquatic phenomena.
Justice Hunter said:Any idea as to why Whirlpools, and maelstrom's aren't as large, or as powerful as tornado's and hurricane's?
Does it have to deal with the energy capacity difference between the air (being a gas) and water (being liquid)?
Hornbein said:There are very extensive circular currents that are as large as hurricanes. I'd guess that such currents have a lot more angular momentum than a hurricane. The effects aren't as dramatic, though.
Here is a site with some basic data concerning circular ocean currents.DuckAmuck said:What are the current speeds compared to hurricane wind speeds?