The New Student's Reference Work/Waterspout

Wa′terspout′, a phenomenon frequently observed in calm, warm weather at sea or on inland lakes, appearing under overhanging clouds, which, under certain influences, send downwards a funnel-shaped cloud, charged with vapor condensed from the atmosphere; and by its rotary indraught, on reaching the surface of lake or sea, it attracts upwards a body of water or scudding, saltwater spray. The waterspout usually lasts but a few minutes, though under certain weather-conditions and meteorological influences many of them occur together. The condition that predisposes their appearance is the unstable equilibrium of the air, coupled with a gyratory motion imparted to it, which writhes and twists the cloud-spout in its rapid, tapering whirl. When observed at sea, at their bases the ocean is always violently agitated and massed in heaps with a leaping or coiling motion. Contrary to current belief, waterspouts are little affected by being fired at with cannon.