What is a vortex?

A vortex is a phenomenon in which fluid or gas moves in a circular or spiral pattern around a central axis. Vortices can be found in a variety of natural and man-made systems, including weather patterns, ocean currents, and smokestacks. They can also be created deliberately, as in the case of a tornado, which is a type of vortex created by a combination of atmospheric conditions.

One of the most common types of vortex is a whirlpool, which is a swirling mass of water that occurs in a body of water, such as a river or ocean. A whirlpool is created when water flows in a circular pattern around a central point, which can be caused by a variety of factors, including the shape of the shoreline, wind, and currents.

Vortices have been studied extensively in physics and engineering due to their importance in a wide range of natural and man-made systems. Researchers use mathematical models and experiments to explore the behavior of vortices and understand their underlying physics. Applications of vortex research include improving airplane wing designs, predicting weather patterns, and developing new propulsion systems for spacecraft.