Which type of fog forms when warm moist air blows over cold water?

Advection fog is formed when warm, moist air moves over a colder surface, typically water. When the warm air comes into contact with the cold surface, it cools down, leading to condensation of water vapor present in the air. This results in the formation of fog. The temperature of the air drops to its dew point, and because the air is saturated with moisture, tiny water droplets form, reducing visibility.

Understanding the mechanics of advection fog is key. It occurs over cold bodies of water, such as oceans or lakes, as warm air flows in from over land. This is different from other types of fog, such as radiation fog, which forms on clear nights when the ground loses heat and cools the air above it, or steam fog, which occurs when cold air moves over warm water, resulting in a visible vapor. Each type of fog has specific conditions under which it forms, and recognizing these will aid in safe navigation and weather prediction.