What is the term for a tornado that occurs over water?

A tornado that occurs over water is termed a waterspout. Waterspouts often form in tropical and subtropical regions and are typically less powerful than tornadoes that occur on land. They develop similarly to land tornadoes, through the same atmospheric conditions, but are distinct as they occur over a body of water. This term is well-recognized in meteorology and helps differentiate these events from other weather phenomena associated with larger storm systems, such as typhoons and cyclones, which are large systems that involve sustained winds and can affect vast areas. Understanding the specific terminology helps in accurately describing weather events and their characteristics, which is essential for effective communication in science.