AVIATION & AERONAUTIC CALCULATOR
Fog Dissipation Time
A precise tool.
What is the Fog Dissipation Time & How does it work?
Radiation fog is a type of ground-level stratus cloud that forms when the air near the surface cools to its dew point due to radiational cooling. This typically occurs on clear nights with little wind, allowing heat from the Earth’s surface to escape into space.
The dissipation of radiation fog is influenced by two main factors: wind speed and solar insolation. Wind can mix the air near the ground with warmer air above, reducing the temperature difference that sustains the fog. Solar insolation provides heat to the surface, which can also lead to the evaporation of water droplets in the fog.
t_dissipation = frac{A}{B} + C
t_dissipation = time for fog to dissipate (hours)
A = insolation factor (W/m²)
B = wind speed (m/s)
C = constant (hours)
A = insolation factor (W/m²)
B = wind speed (m/s)
C = constant (hours)
Parameters
Result
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Frequently Asked Questions
What factors affect the dissipation of radiation fog?
Radiation fog dissipates due to wind mixing warmer air with the cooler near-surface air and solar insolation warming the ground.
How does wind speed impact fog dissipation?
Higher wind speeds mix the air more quickly, reducing the temperature difference that sustains the fog and leading to faster dissipation.
What role does solar insolation play in fog dispersion?
Solar insolation warms the ground during the day, increasing its temperature and causing the near-surface air to warm, which helps dissipate the fog.
Can you explain what radiation fog is?
Radiation fog forms when the air near the surface cools to its dew point due to radiational cooling on clear nights with little wind.
How do I use this calculator for fog dissipation time?
Input the wind speed and solar insolation values into the calculator, and it will provide you with the estimated time for radiation fog to dissipate.
What conditions are ideal for the formation of radiation fog?
Ideal conditions for radiation fog include clear nights, little wind, and a surface that cools efficiently by radiating heat into space.
Why is it important to know the dissipation time of radiation fog?
Knowing the dissipation time helps in planning flights, as visibility can improve significantly once the fog clears.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.