Dust devils are also known as sand whirls, dust whirls or simply whirlwinds. These small rotating columns of air are created by the heating of the ground, causing a spinning updraft of warm air that picks up loose surface material, such as dust or sand. In some regions, they are called "dancing devils" or "dust demons", while the Native Americans refer to them as "dust ghosts". In Australia, they are known as "willy-willies", while in the Middle East, they are called "haboobs". Despite their different names, dust devils are a common meteorological phenomenon and can be seen in many areas around the world.