Dust devils are funnel clouds of loose particles the wind has picked up from the ground.
When hot air at ground level meets cooler air higher up, a movement occurs and dust rises forming a funnel that moves with the wind. Looking out over the creosote flats on a windy day, there may be many funnels dancing over the ground. The little devils trip the light fantastic and their impish activity and erratic paths provide an impressive show. Nothing is safe from their enthusiastic flight.