Generally speaking, a vortex is an area in a fluid (air or water) where the flow spins around an axis line and can take a straight or curved shape. It is basically formed when a fluid is stirred or spun. ... When vortices are formed, they can complexly move, stretch, twist, and interact with the surrounding fluid.

What is causing the vortex to form?

It forms in Autumn when Arctic or Antarctic temperatures cool rapidly as the polar night begins. The increased temperature difference between the pole and the tropics causes strong winds and the Coriolis effect causes the vortex to spin up.

How does a vortex ring form?

These vortices consist of a circulating fluid that rotates about a closed loop; that is, the vortex lines of the circulating fluid form a ring. Vortex rings are formed by ejecting a slug of fluid through an orifice with a sharpened edge into an ambient, stationary fluid.