Radiation fogs are formed when the Earth's surface cools quickly, causing the air above it to cool and the moisture in the air to condense into fog. The spelling of "radiation" is /reɪdiˈeɪʃən/ with stress on the second syllable, and the spelling of "fogs" is /fɒɡz/ with stress on the first syllable. The pronunciation of this phrase is /reɪdiˈeɪʃən ˌfɒɡz/, with stress on the second syllable of "radiation" and the first syllable of "fogs".
Radiation fogs are meteorological phenomena that occur when the Earth's surface cools rapidly overnight, leading to the formation of fog. It is primarily caused by the release of heat from the ground into the atmosphere by radiation during the night. This fog is typically shallow and forms in low-lying areas, such as valleys and riverbanks.
Radiation fogs tend to occur under specific conditions. Firstly, clear skies are necessary to facilitate efficient radiation of heat from the ground. Secondly, calm winds are crucial, as they prevent the fog from being dispersed. Thirdly, high humidity levels near the ground are vital for the fog to form. These conditions are often observed during the late fall and winter months when long, clear, and calm nights are common.
The formation of radiation fogs involves a cooling process. As the Earth's surface cools, it causes the air in contact with it to cool as well. When the temperature of the air reaches its dew point, condensation occurs, leading to the formation of tiny water droplets that suspend in the air. This process creates a thick fog that can reduce visibility to less than 1 kilometer.
Radiation fogs usually dissipate within a few hours after sunrise as the sun's radiation begins to heat the ground, warming the air and increasing its capacity to hold moisture. Wind movement or mixing in the atmosphere also helps disperse the fog, breaking up the foggy layer and reducing its thickness. However, in some cases, radiation fogs can persist for longer if stable atmospheric conditions persist throughout the day.
The word "radiation fogs" is derived from two different origins: "radiation" and "fogs".
"Radiation" in this context refers to the process of energy transfer in the form of electromagnetic waves, particularly from a central source. It comes from the Latin word "radiatio", which means "a shining" or "radiance". The term "radiation" is used to describe the emission or transmission of energy through space or a medium.
"Fogs" is the plural form of the noun "fog". It originated from the Old English word "fogge", which means "mist" or "vapor". The word "fog" refers to a thick cloud composed of minute water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air near the Earth's surface, causing reduced visibility.
Combining both terms, "radiation fogs" describes a specific type of fog formation that occurs due to radiational cooling.