The discussion explores the reasons why whirlpools and maelstroms are not as large or powerful as tornadoes and hurricanes, focusing on the differences in energy capacity and material density between air and water.
Participants have not reached a consensus on the reasons for the size and power differences, and multiple competing views remain regarding the factors involved.
Some assumptions about energy capacity and material density are not fully explored, and the discussion does not resolve the comparison of current speeds to hurricane wind speeds.
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?