Context –

• A magnificent golden waterspout was recently filmed on the Kama River in Russia’s Perm region.

Overview:

• Waterspouts are tornado-like rotating columns of air that form over the sea.
• They have a five-part life cycle, starting with a dark spot on the water surface and ending in decay.

Characteristics:

• Funnel Cloud: Visible funnel-shaped cloud extending downward from a parent cloud or thunderstorm base.
• Water Connection: Connected to the water's surface, drawing water or spray into the vortex.
• Duration: Short-lived, lasting from minutes to an hour.
• Size: Smaller than tornadoes, with diameters ranging from tens to a few hundred meters.

Types:

1. Tornadic Waterspouts:

• Form over water or move from land to water.
• Share characteristics with land tornadoes.
• Associated with severe thunderstorms, high winds, large hail, and dangerous lightning.

2. Fair-Weather Waterspouts:

• Form along the dark flat base of cumulus clouds.
• Not associated with thunderstorms.
• Develop on the water's surface and move upwards.
• Form in light wind conditions and move little.