The news in Greek
Την Τρίτη, κάτοικοι της Φολεγάνδρου είδαν έναν σίφωνα κοντά στο Ναό. Ο σίφωνας είναι μια κολόνα αέρα που δημιουργείται στη θάλασσα . Τέτοια φαινόμενα είναι πιο συνηθισμένα σε τροπικές περιοχές . Αν και μοιάζουν με ανεμοστρόβιλους , οι σίφωνες είναι συνήθως λιγότερο επικίνδυνοι και διαρκούν λιγότερο.
Translation
On Tuesday, residents of Folegandros observed a waterspout near the Temple. A waterspout is a column of air formed over the sea. Such phenomena are more common in tropical regions. Although they resemble tornadoes, waterspouts are generally less dangerous and do not last as long.
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: What did the residents of Folegandros see on Tuesday?
They saw a waterspout near the coast.
Question 2: Where do waterspouts usually occur more often?
Waterspouts usually occur more often in tropical areas.
Exercise: Vocabulary
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▌15/01/2025
Residents of the Greek island of Folegandros were taken by surprise on Tuesday when a rare waterspout made its dramatic appearance in the sea area of Ano Mera. This phenomenon was captured on video, which has been widely shared by local media, including cyclades24.gr.
A waterspout is a vertical whirling column of air that forms beneath storm clouds and interacts with the surface of the water, typically observed at sea. Despite resembling tornadoes, waterspouts do not always share the same formation mechanism. In the Mediterranean region, these phenomena are not entirely unfamiliar, yet they are more commonly spotted in tropical regions or areas with significant thermal contrasts.
Rare Waterspout Witnessed Off Folegandros Coast (Illustration)
The formation of a waterspout depends on various atmospheric and thermodynamic conditions. Key factors include the presence of warm and humid air near the sea's surface in contrast to cooler air above, along with swirling air currents that create the characteristic vortex. Although waterspouts can achieve wind speeds similar to tornadoes, they are generally less dangerous and tend to dissipate quickly.
The occurrence of the waterspout at Folegandros serves as a reminder of the potential impacts of climate change, as rising sea temperatures and increasing weather instability may favour the emergence of such events in the region. Understanding these phenomena is crucial for improving responses and ensuring safety against potential hazards.
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