Fog is a type of mist, but not all mists are fogs. Fog is a thick cloud that forms near the ground, while the mist is made up of very small water droplets and typically occurs higher in the air. Fog can often lead to poor visibility, while mist usually doesn’t cause such a problem. In this article, we will discuss the difference between fog and mist in detail.
Fog
Fog is a visible air suspension of water droplets or ice crystals near the ground. Fog can form at any time of year, but it’s most common in the winter and early spring. Fog can cause visibility problems for drivers and pilots, and it often delays air travel.
Mist
Mist is a type of aerosol, which is a suspension of very small water droplets in the air. It is usually made when cold air moves over a warm body of water, and it can happen at any time of day or night. Mist is usually not as thick as fog, and it doesn’t reduce visibility as much.
Types of Fog
There are different types of Fog such as
- Upslope Fog: This type of Fog is common in mountainous areas. The difference between mist and fog is that fog particles are larger than mist droplets. This causes the fog to be less dense than mist and allows it to dissipate more quickly
- Frontal Fog: This type of Fog forms when warm air meets a cold front. The difference between mist and fog is that fog is created when the air temperature is cooled to below its dew point, while the mist is created when the air is cooled to its saturation point
- Radiation Fog: This type of Fog forms on clear, calm nights when the ground cools quickly. The difference between mist and fog is that fog particles are larger than mist droplets. This causes the fog to be less dense than mist and allows it to dissipate more quickly
Types of Mist
There are different types of Mist such as
- Advection Mist: This type of Mist forms when humid air is blown over a cold surface. The difference between mist and fog is that mist is created when the air is cooled to its saturation point, while fog is created when the air temperature is cooled to below its dew point
- Ground Mist: This type of Mist forms near the ground when warm, moist air rises and cools
- Valley Fog: This type of Fog is common in coastal areas and valleys. The difference between mist and fog is that fog particles are larger than mist droplets. This causes the fog to be less dense than mist and allows it to dissipate more quickly
Differences between Fog and Mist
Fog and Mist can be differentiated on the basis of definition, density, durability, visibility, resilience, causes
Definition: Fog is a cloud that touches the ground while the mist is a cloud suspended in the air.
Density: Fog is less dense than mist as the fog is composed of tiny water droplets while the mist is composed of larger water droplets.
Durability: Fog is more durable than mist as fog can last for several hours while mist only lasts for a few minutes.
Visibility: Fog is less visible than mist as fog reduces visibility to less than 1000 meters while mist reduces visibility to less than one kilometre.
Resilience: Fog is more resilient than mist as fog can quickly reform after it has been dispersed while mist cannot reform.
Causes: Fog is caused by the cooling of air while mist is caused by the evaporation of water.
Fog and mist can both be described as a collection of water droplets in the air, but there are some key differences between them. Fog is a cloud that touches the ground while the mist is a cloud that is suspended in the air. Fog is less dense than mist, and it is also more durable.
Fog and Mist are both types of clouds, but they have some key differences as mentioned above.
Conclusion
In conclusion, fog and mist are both types of precipitation, but they have different characteristics. Fog and mist can both be described as a collection of water droplets in the air, but there are some key differences between them. Fog is a cloud that touches the ground while the mist is a cloud that is suspended in the air. Fog is less dense than mist, and it is also more durable. Since the mist is less dense as compared to fog you can see more clearly during mist. You can easily see fog and mist during the winter season, especially during nights and early mornings. Both the concepts are confusing but they can be differentiated on the above ground and can be easily understood.