UPSC Current Affairs
Waterspouts
one man died and six people are missing after a luxury yacht sank was hit by a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Monday (August 19). Experts suggest the storm could have been a waterspout — essentially a tornado over water. A water sprout is a rotating column of air or mist that forms over a body of water.
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one man died and six people are missing after a luxury yacht sank was hit by a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Monday (August 19). Experts suggest the storm could have been a waterspout — essentially a tornado over water. A water sprout is a rotating column of air or mist that forms over a body of water.
one man died and six people are missing after a
luxury yacht sank was hit by a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Monday (August 19).
Experts suggest the storm could have been a waterspout — essentially a tornado over water.
WHAT IS A WATERSPOUT?
A water sprout is a
rotating column of air or mist that forms over a body of water. It's essentially
a tornado that occurs over water.
There are
two main types:
- Fair weather waterspouts: These are usually weaker and form in calm weather conditions.
- Tornadic waterspouts: These are more powerful and are actually tornadoes that form over water.
MORE ABOUT WATERSPOUTS
It is a
weaker cousin of tornadoes and typically lasts for
around five minutes — occasionally it can last up to 10 minutes. The average waterspout can be around 165 feet in diameter, with wind speeds of 100 kilometres per hour.
WHERE ARE THEY FORMED?
Although
waterspouts are more common in tropical waters, they
can appear anywhere. They occur when there are
high levels of humidity and relatively warm water temperatures compared to the overlying air.
- Prelims: Key facts, institutions, locations and terminology in the article.
- Mains: Connect the topic with Polity & Governance.
- Revision: Use the article headings to prepare concise notes and answer-writing points.
Test your understanding
Questions from this article
Prelims practiceWith reference to Waterspouts, consider the following statements:
- one man died and six people are missing after a luxury yacht sank was hit by a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Monday (August 19).
- Experts suggest the storm could have been a waterspout — essentially a tornado over water.
- A water sprout is a rotating column of air or mist that forms over a body of water.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
View answer
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3. All three statements are drawn from the article.
Mains practiceDiscuss the background, key issues and significance of Waterspouts for India.
Answer in 250 words.
View answer approach
- Background and context
- Key facts and institutional framework
- Significance and way forward
Frequently asked questionsFrequently asked questions
Why is Waterspouts in the news?
one man died and six people are missing after a luxury yacht sank was hit by a violent storm off the coast of Sicily, Italy, on Monday (August 19). Experts suggest the storm could have been a waterspout — essentially a tornado over water.
What are the key facts about Waterspouts?
A water sprout is a rotating column of air or mist that forms over a body of water. It's essentially a tornado that occurs over water. There are two main types: Fair weather waterspouts: These are usually weaker and form in calm weather conditions.
Why is Waterspouts important for UPSC preparation?
The topic connects current developments with Polity & Governance and is relevant for both objective revision and analytical answer writing.