What Makes Fog: A Simple Explanation for 12-Year-Olds

What is Fog?

Fog is like a cloud, but instead of being high up in the sky, it is close to the ground. It looks like a thick, white mist that can make it hard to see far away.

How Does Fog Form?

1. Air Contains Water Vapor: The air around us always has tiny invisible water particles called water vapor.
2. Cooling of Air: When the air cools down, especially during the night or early morning, the water vapor starts to change.
3. Condensation Happens: Just like when you see drops on a cold glass, the water vapor in the air turns into tiny water droplets as the air becomes cooler. This process is called condensation.
4. Droplets Gather Close to the Ground: These tiny water droplets stay near the ground and group together to form fog.

Why Does Fog Sometimes Happen?

Fog often happens when the air is moist and the temperature drops quickly, especially near water bodies like lakes or oceans. It can also happen in valleys or low areas where cold air settles.

Summary

In short, fog is made when warm, moist air cools down and the water vapor in the air turns into little water droplets close to the ground. This makes the fog that we see as thick mist.