What is a willy willy?

2,313 views · Published 1 June 2018 · 1:16 · Indexed 24 September 2026

Channel: Civil Disturbia · 2018 · Science & Technology

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What is a willy willy and how do they form? Also known as dust devils, willy-willies are dust filled vortices that can spiral upwards from the ground, varying in height from a few feet to over 1000 feet. They are usually several metres in diameter at the base - then narrowing for a short distance before expanding again. They mainly occur in desert and semi-arid area where the ground is dry and high surface temperatures produce strong updraughts. The initial rotation may be caused by irregularities in the surface. 

SOURCE: UK Met office

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