Debris Cloud

A rotating "cloud" of dust or debris, near or on the ground, often appearing beneath a condensation funnel and surrounding the base of a tornado . This term is similar to dust whirl , although the latter typically refers to a circulation which contains dust but not necessarily any debris. A dust plume , on the other hand, does not rotate. Note that a debris cloud appearing beneath a thunderstorm will confirm the presence of a tornado, even in the absence of a condensation funnel.