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A dust devil is a spinning column of dust and air that forms in hot, dry conditions, typically reaching heights of 10 to 1,000 feet and lasting from a few seconds to minutes. It arises from intense surface heating that creates a rising current of air, which then rotates into a vortex, often lifting debris and posing minor hazards to outdoor activities. In today's climate studies, these whirlwinds provide insights into atmospheric dynamics and even help model weather on other planets.
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