Causes: Fog results from the condensation of water vapor in the air when warm, moist air encounters cooler temperatures, forming tiny water droplets.
Types: Common types include radiation fog, formed on clear nights; advection fog, created when warm air moves over a cool surface; and upslope fog, occurring as moist air ascends a slope and cools.
Impacts on Visibility: Fog significantly reduces visibility, creating hazardous conditions for transportation and outdoor activities.
Air Traffic Disruption: Dense fog often leads to disrupted air travel, causing delays and cancellations due to impaired visibility at airports.
Road Safety Concerns: Fog poses risks on roadways, necessitating reduced speed, increased following distance, and the use of headlights for safe navigation.
Maritime Navigation Challenges: Fog in coastal areas hampers maritime navigation, requiring vessels to use foghorns and radar systems for safe passage.
Economic Impact: Fog-related disruptions can have economic consequences, affecting industries like transportation, tourism, and agriculture.
Temperature Inversions: Fog occurrence is influenced by temperature inversions, where a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the surface, creating conditions conducive to fog formation.