What is the Difference Between Fog and Mist?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between fog and mist lies in their densities and visibility levels. Both fog and mist are created when microscopic droplets of water are suspended in the atmosphere near the Earth's surface, affecting visibility. Here are the key differences between fog and mist:
- Visibility: Fog reduces horizontal visibility to less than 1 kilometer (0.6 miles), while mist reduces visibility to between 1 and 2 kilometers (0.6 - 1.2 miles).
- Density: Fog is denser than mist and tends to last longer. Mist is considered lighter and quicker to dissipate when wind, temperature, or relative humidity changes.
- Perception: Fog forms a whitish veil that covers the landscape, while mist generally forms a fairly thin, greyish veil. When illuminated, individual fog droplets are frequently visible to the naked eye and are seen to be moving in a fog, while mist is less noticeable.
In summary, fog is denser and reduces visibility to less than 1 kilometer, while mist is less dense and has a visibility range of 1 to 2 kilometers.
Comparative Table: Fog vs Mist
The main differences between fog and mist are their thickness, density, and visibility. Here is a table summarizing the differences between fog and mist:
| Feature | Fog | Mist |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | A thick layer of cloud at the lower surface, generally created by a water body like a lake, moist ground, or ocean | A weather condition where water droplets are suspended in the air by temperature inversion, volcanic activity, or changes in humidity |
| Visibility | Reduces visibility to less than 1 km (1,094 yards) | Reduces visibility to between 1 and 2 km (0.6 - 1.2 miles) |
| Density | Denser than mist | Less dense than fog |
| Formation | Formed when any cloud type makes contact with the ground | Formed when water droplets are suspended in the air by temperature inversion, volcanic activity, or changes in humidity |
| Effect on Visibility | Fog reduces visibility to less than 1 km (1,094 yards) | Mist reduces visibility to between 1 and 2 km (0.6 - 1.2 miles) |
Both fog and mist are composed of condensed water vapor clouds, but fog is denser and thicker than mist, leading to reduced visibility.
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