Hi Nathalia,
I’d use two (or even three) Particle Systems. In the main ground Particle System, set the Physics Type to None.
Turn the Gravity Influence off for the other and play with Forcefields.
For the spiral I’d also try one of those ideas you have, see which one gives the best result (maybe use that third Particle System for this).
For the Ground shake I’d try some Noise Modifiers on the Location and Rotation.
