How does a boiling water vortex form and what are its characteristics?

A boiling water vortex forms when water is heated to its boiling point and starts to circulate in a swirling motion. This happens because the hot water rises and cooler water moves in to take its place, creating a vortex. The characteristics of a boiling water vortex include a central column of rising steam, a swirling motion of the water, and a relatively stable shape as long as the heat source is maintained.