Whirlpools are swirling vortexes in the ocean sometimes capable of capsizing entire ships. They have long been featured in legend as the work of sea monsters or as gateways to other worlds. We now know that they are normal oceanic currents, usually caused by tides. This attractive volume concisely examines the natural and human-made conditions that create whirlpools, eddies, and more, providing a window into the field of oceanography for an elementary audience. Readers will be fascinated by images of some of the world's most famous maelstroms and will gain a deeper understanding of the connection between the climate and the planet.