Why are Whirlpools not as big as Tornados/hurricanes?

[Justice Hunter]

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)?

 

[DuckAmuck]

Is there actually a notable size difference?

If so, I imagine it's because of the density of the material and available energy. Water is denser than air, so it takes more energy to move it the same amount.

 

[Hornbein]

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)?

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.

 

[DuckAmuck]

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.

What are the current speeds compared to hurricane wind speeds?

 

[rootone]

What are the current speeds compared to hurricane wind speeds?

Here is a site with some basic data concerning circular ocean currents.
http://www.seos-project.eu/modules/oceancurrents/oceancurrents-c02-p04.html

 

[Justice Hunter]

Thanks for the great answers!