Whirlpools

A whirlpool is a spinning body of water that pulls things toward its center. Whirlpools form when two currents of water meet and spin around each other. They can be tiny, like the swirl when you drain a bathtub. Or they can be large and powerful in the ocean.

How Whirlpools Form

Whirlpools form where currents of water collide. Ocean tides flowing between narrow channels can create strong whirlpools. Rivers flowing around obstacles can also make whirlpools. The spinning water creates a funnel shape, like a cone pointing down.

Famous Whirlpools

The Maelstrom off the coast of Norway is one of the most famous whirlpools. The Naruto whirlpools in Japan form between two islands. The Corryvreckan whirlpool in Scotland can be heard roaring from miles away. Most natural whirlpools are not strong enough to pull down boats, despite what movies show.

Fun Facts

• The Corryvreckan whirlpool in Scotland is one of the largest in the world.
• Most whirlpools are not dangerous to boats, despite scary movie scenes.
• The Naruto whirlpools in Japan can be up to 66 feet in diameter.

Did You Know?

The word 'maelstrom,' meaning a powerful whirlpool, comes from a real whirlpool off the coast of Norway. It was made famous by the writer Edgar Allan Poe!