Vortices are swirling motions of fluid, such as air or water, that occur when the fluid moves in a circular pattern around a central point. They can be seen in various natural phenomena, like tornadoes and whirlpools, where the fluid spins rapidly, creating a low-pressure area at the center. These formations can vary in size and strength, from small eddies in a stream to large atmospheric systems like hurricanes. Vortices play a crucial role in many processes, including weather patterns and the mixing of substances in fluids, influencing both natural and engineered systems.