Eddies

Eddies are circular movements of water or air that occur when fluid currents encounter obstacles or variations in flow. Imagine a river flowing smoothly, then hitting a rock—small whirlpools form behind it. These whirlpools are eddies. They can mix water or air, transferring energy and momentum. Eddies happen naturally in oceans, rivers, and the atmosphere, playing important roles in distributing heat, nutrients, and pollutants. They are characterized by their rotating motion and can vary widely in size and duration, influencing weather patterns, marine life, and even climate systems.