Abstract

Vortices are observed in nature in many different situations and in various types of appearance. For example, in the atmosphere organized vortex motion is observed in large-scale depressions, cyclones, tornadoes, and on smaller scales in dust devils and water spouts. Less-organized vortex structures are also abundant, for example, in the form of turbulent eddies in developing cumulus clouds, in the turbulent flow of smoke emanating from active volcanoes or industrial chimneys, and also in the vertical motion around large buildings on a windy day.