How do whirlpools happen

Most of these phenomena are not very powerful. Even the swirling water formed when the stopper is removed from a sink or bath could properly be called a whirlpool. There are, however, some very powerful and dangerous whirlpools. Whirlpools are not, in fact, bottomless pits.

Experiments have shown that whirlpools often pull objects to the bottom of the sea bed. They may then be moved along the sea floor by ocean currents. If the object can float, it may come back to the surface a long way from where the whirlpool is located. What will you pack for your trip? Ask a grown-up to help you with all the steps of planning a trip.

What are the most important and interesting facts to know about whirlpools? Based on what you read in this Wonder, make a brochure or a website for people who want to learn about whirlpools.

Be sure to include pictures and at least five interesting facts you learned. Did you get it? Test your knowledge. What are you wondering? Wonder Words tides spiral strait density collide vessels vigilant phenomenon diameter Take the Wonder Word Challenge. Join the Discussion. Related Wonders for You to Explore Match its definition: the distance through the center of a circle from one side to the other. Word Match Congratulations! Share results. Play Again Quit. Not Quite!

Next Question. See your results. Share Results. Retake The Quiz. Be the first to know! Share with the World Tell everybody about Wonderopolis and its wonders. Share Wonderopolis. Add widget. You Got It! Try Again. The result was like pulling the plug in a bathtub: as the water grew shallower, it started to swirl.

According to the California Water Board , water is retained and stored in Lake Piru during the winter and spring. It's then released from the Santa Felicia Dam in September and October at an average rate of cubic feet per second. But he added that authorities don't think Rivera's death had any connection to whirlpools or the nearby dam. The dam is on the south side of the lake, he said, and surveillance footage shows that Rivera rented a boat on the north side, which is also where her body was found.

Still, other deaths on Lake Piru have involved people seemingly swallowed up by open water. In , a year-old man was pulled under the water while wearing a life jacket. His body was found on the shore five days later. Three years after that, a man dove into the water to save his daughter.

The girl survived, but the father never resurfaced. For you. World globe An icon of the world globe, indicating different international options. Get the Insider App. Click here to learn more. A leading-edge research firm focused on digital transformation. Good Subscriber Account active since Shortcuts.