Dust devils are small WHIRLWINDS of dust and debris that form in dry, arid climates. They are also known as EDDIES (6 letters) or WHIRLWINDS (10 letters). Dust devils are created when hot air near the surface rises quickly through a small pocket of cooler air above it. As the air rises, it begins to rotate, creating a spinning column of air. The spinning motion of the air causes dust and other debris to be drawn into the column, creating the visible dust devil.