A rotating body of water produced where opposing currents, tidal flows or the meeting of two water masses create a powerful circular motion, often around a central depression that can draw floating debris toward its core. Most natural whirlpools are relatively mild and short-lived, but a handful of narrow, tide-driven channels, such as Norway's Saltstraumen and the Old Sow in the Bay of Fundy, generate whirlpools strong and consistent enough to be a genuine hazard to small craft and a recurring subject of maritime folklore.
Facts
ScaleAt Saltstraumen, Norway, whirlpools up to 10 meters (33 feet) in diameter and 5 meters (16 feet) deep form when the tidal current is at its strongest 1 First DescribedIn the 8th century, the scholar Paul the Deacon described tidal bores and the maelstrom for a Mediterranean audience unfamiliar with such violent tidal surges 1 Identification
Distinguishing AppearanceA body of rotating water produced where opposing currents meet or where a current runs into an obstacle 1 Sources
1. Whirlpool, Wikipedia
Lead section
A whirlpool is a body of rotating water produced by opposing currents or a current running into an obstacle.
Saltstraumen section
whirlpools up to 10 metres (33 ft) in diameter and 5 metres (16 ft) in depth are formed when the current is at its strongest.
Mythology and literature section
During the 8th century, Paul the Deacon, who had lived among the Belgii, described tidal bores and the maelstrom for a Mediterranean audience unused to such violent tidal surges.
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