What Is a Vortex in the Ocean

Vortex is the proper term for a whirlpool that has a downdraft. In narrow ocean straits with fast flowing water, whirlpools are often caused by tides. Many stories tell of ships being sucked into a maelstrom, although only smaller craft are actually in danger.

Can you survive a water vortex?

A majority of whirlpools aren‘t very deadly. They’re small and hence swimmers can save themselves from drowning. However, when the whirlpools move through open waters, they don’t spare anyone and anything that comes in their way. This phenomenon can be very threatening, even for experienced folks.

What's at the bottom of a water vortex?

A whirlpool is a body of swirling water formed when two opposing currents meet. … Any whirlpool that contains a downdraft – one capable of sucking objects beneath the water’s surface – is called a vortex. Whirlpools also form at the base of waterfalls and man-made structures such as dams.