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Dust devils form in areas of strong surface heating, usually at the interface between different surface types, such as asphalt and dirt, or even irrigated fields and dirt roads. Typically, they occur under clear skies and light winds, when the ground can warm the air to temperatures well above the temperatures just above the ground. This is a very unstable condition, since the heated air is less dense and lighter than the cooler air above it. If the temperature of the ground becomes much warmer than the air above it, vertical mixing will take place to release this unstable configuration. Once the ground heats up enough, a localized pocket of air will quickly rise through the cooler air above it. The sudden uprush of hot air causes air to speed horizontally inward to the bottom of the newly-forming vortex. This rapidly rising pocket of air may begin to rotate, and if it continues to be stretched in the vertical direction, will increase in rotation speed. This increase in rotation speed from vertical stretching is similar to the increased spinning of an ice skater as they bring their arms in toward their bodies. Meteorologists call this principle "conservation of angular momentum". As more hot air rushes in toward the developing vortex to replace the air that is rising, this spinning effect is intensified. As the air rises, it cools and eventually will descend back through the center of the vortex. Under optimal conditions, a balance between the hot air rising along the outer wall of the vortex and the cooler air sinking in the vortex occurs. The dust devil then begins to move across the ground, picking up more and more dust, which highlights the vortex making it visible to the eye. The dust devil, once formed, is a funnel-like chimney through which hot air moves both upward and circularly. If a steady supply of warm unstable air is available for the dust devil, it will continue to move across the ground. However, once the warm unstable air is depleted or the balance is broken in some other way, the dust devil will break down and dissipate.

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Related Questions

Can dust devils form in northern Minnesota?

Yes, dust devils can form just about anywhere.


Can Dust Devils Form Anywhere?

No. Dust devils can form in most places, however, where there is a bare surface that can be significantly heated by the sun.


What makes dust devils different than tornadoes?

Dust devils form in sunny weather while tornadoes require thunderstorms to form. Dust devils are much weaker and generally smaller than tornadoes as well.


Can a dust devil develop into a tornado?

No. Dust devils are whirlwinds that form from low-level convection in the absence of a thunderstorm. Tornadoes form from thunderstorms. However, on rare occasions dust devils can cause minor damage with winds comparable to those of an EF0 tornado. Landspout tornadoes can sometimes look rather like dust devils.


Which planets have red dust tornadoes?

True tornadoes only form on earth, as far as scientists know. These may become red if they encounter red dust. The planet Mars, had red dust devils. Dust devils resemble tornadoes but they are not actually tornadoes.


Can dust devils pick you up?

Dust devils are not strong enough to pick up people. They are relatively weak compared to tornadoes and are usually harmless. However, it is still important to exercise caution when encountering dust devils.


Is a dust devil a mini tornado?

No, a dust devil is not a mini tornado. Dust devils are small, rapidly rotating columns of air that form under sunny conditions, while tornadoes are large, violent rotating columns of air that form during severe thunderstorms. Dust devils are typically harmless and short-lived compared to tornadoes.


When was Tri-City Dust Devils created?

Tri-City Dust Devils was created in 2001.


What condition favor the development of dust devils?

Dust devils are more likely to form on hot, sunny days when the ground is dry and the air near the surface is rapidly heated. This causes the air to rise quickly, creating a spinning column of air that picks up dust and debris. Flat, open areas with minimal wind are also more conducive to dust devil formation.


Why are tornadoes called dust devils?

They aren't. Tornadoes and dust devils are two different things. A tornado is a violent vortex of wind that develops during a severe thunderstorm. A dust devil is a much weaker whirlwind that often forms under clear skies.


Where do dirt devils live?

Dust devils are non-living features found in Australia. They are harmless, dust-laden whirlwinds.


Are there dust devils on Mars?

yes