Meteorologyvisibility and fog
Radiation Fog
Radiation fog is a type of fog that forms at night under clear skies with light winds, as the Earth's surface cools rapidly via terrestrial radiation. The cooling ground lowers the temperature of the adjacent air to its dew point, causing condensation and fog formation. It is a common hazard for early-morning departures and arrivals.
Key Points
- •Requires clear skies, high relative humidity, and light winds to form.
- •Typically forms overnight and tends to dissipate after sunrise as the ground reheats.
- •Often collects in low-lying areas and valleys where cold air pools.
Exam Relevance
Pilots must know the conditions conducive to radiation fog to accurately assess early morning visibility and predict potential delays at destination aerodromes.
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