Fog formed when moist air cools near the coast. Coastal fog forms when warm, moist air cools as it moves over colder ocean water.

What is the main cause of coastal fog formation?

Warm moist air cooling over cold water. Cooling of moist air to its dew point causes condensation and fog.

Which type of fog is most common along cold ocean currents?

Advection fog. Advection fog forms when moist air moves over a cooler surface.

Why does coastal fog often appear suddenly?

Conditions can change quickly near the ocean. Small changes in temperature or wind can quickly create fog.

Why does coastal fog sometimes disappear quickly?

Sunlight warms the air and clears it. Heating reduces relative humidity and evaporates the fog droplets.

Which time of day often clears coastal fog?

Late morning or afternoon. Sun heating during the day usually burns off fog.

Which ocean current is famous for producing coastal fog on the U.S. West Coast?

California Current. The cold California Current cools air and helps form fog.

What is the dew point?

The temperature at which air becomes saturated and fog can form. When air cools to the dew point, condensation begins.

Why is coastal fog more common in summer in some regions?

Cold ocean water contrasts with warm air. Strong temperature contrast increases fog formation.

What is the main danger of coastal fog for transportation?

Reduced visibility. Fog makes it hard to see for ships, cars, and planes.

Which instrument is used to measure humidity?

Hygrometer. A hygrometer measures moisture in the air.

What happens to fog when wind speed increases?

It often disperses. Stronger winds mix the air and break up fog.

What is advection in weather terms?

Horizontal movement of air. Advection means air moving horizontally from one place to another.

Why do coastal cities often have cooler temperatures during fog?

Fog blocks sunlight. Fog and low clouds reduce solar heating.

Which of these is NOT a type of fog?

Cloud fog. Common types include radiation, advection, and steam fog.

What role does the ocean play in coastal fog?

It cools the air near the surface. Cold ocean water cools moist air and leads to condensation.

Why is coastal fog sometimes called 'marine layer'?

It forms in a layer over the ocean and coast. The fog often appears as a low, uniform layer of cloud.

What usually happens to coastal fog after sunrise?

It gradually lifts or burns off. Sun heating reduces humidity and clears fog.

Which season often has the most persistent coastal fog in many regions?

Summer. Cold ocean currents and warm air in summer favor fog formation.

How does fog differ from clouds?

Fog forms near the ground. Fog is simply a cloud that forms at ground level.

What is one benefit of coastal fog?

It provides moisture to plants. Fog drip can supply water to coastal ecosystems.

Why can hills near the coast be foggy while nearby areas are sunny?

Fog is trapped by terrain and elevation. Terrain can trap the marine layer at certain elevations.

Tiny water droplets suspended in air. Fog consists of microscopic liquid water droplets.

Which condition is essential for fog to form?

Air must reach saturation. Fog forms when air becomes saturated and condensation occurs.

Why is coastal fog described as 'here today, gone tomorrow'?

It can form and disappear quickly with changing conditions. Small changes in temperature, wind, or sun can rapidly change fog conditions.

QuizKnowledge

Coastal Fog: Here Today, Gone Tomorrow

Test your understanding of advection fog, temperature inversions, and the rapid formation and dissipation mechanisms governing coastal fog patterns.

25 Questions•20 Mins•Medium