Advection fog is formed as a result of what?

Advection fog is formed when moist air moves over a colder surface. This process occurs because the warmer, moisture-laden air cools down as it contacts the cooler surface, leading the air to reach its dew point temperature. When the air temperature drops to the dew point, the moisture condenses into tiny water droplets, resulting in fog.

The formation of advection fog is commonly observed along coastlines, where warm air from the ocean moves over cooler land surfaces, or in areas where warm air flows over cold ground or snow. This type of fog is particularly prevalent in maritime climates, where the temperature contrast between the air and the surface can lead to significant condensation.

Other options describe different meteorological phenomena. The addition of moisture to a mass of cold air, for instance, relates more closely to the processes involved in creating other types of fog, such as steam fog or precipitation fog. Additionally, the cooling of the ground on a clear, calm night describes radiational cooling, which leads to radiation fog rather than advection fog. Lastly, rapid rising warm air due to solar heating typically produces convective clouds and precipitation rather than fog formation.