Vortex shedding

Vortex shedding is when the wind moves past something like a flagpole or a bridge and creates little spinning whirlpools or swirls in the air. It's kind of like the way water moves around rocks in a stream. These swirls of air can make things like buildings or bridges shake and vibrate, which can be dangerous if it happens too much. Scientists study vortex shedding to try and figure out how to make buildings and bridges that are strong enough to handle it without breaking. It's like trying to build a really sturdy fort that can stand up to a strong windstorm.