Sudden sandstorm swept across the beach in Barcelona, Spain

Sudden and spectacular dust storm engulfed Olympic Port in Barcelona on Tuesday afternoon, June 12. An unusual atmospheric phenomenon could be behind the strange event. This would be a sudden shock of two masses of air, blowing in opposite directions. All day the wind blew from land to sea, but in the afternoon the wind turned over maritime component. The clash between these two very different air masses caused the phenomenon.

But that was not the only atmospheric phenomenon in Barcelona yesterday. That clash of air masses could also be the explanation for the spectacular whirlpool that formed in the sea just in front of the Hotel Vela. A column of water has suddenly emerged from the Mediterranean Sea toward the sky. The odd thing is that this has occurred with a clear sky. Water column that rises from the sea with rotational motion by atmospheric effect of a whirlwind is one of description used by meteorologist Abel Queralt. This definition corresponds to one of the meanings of the word manga.

What is clear is that the collision of two air masses that occurred in the Barceloneta is rare.

The storm lasted for about 5 minutes and brought 55kmph (35mph) winds.

Source: LaVanguardia

Featured image credit: Lvd