Probing the Fog Life Cycles in the Namib Desert

Coastal fog in the Namib Desert, often linked to marine stratus advection, exhibits distinct spatial and temporal patterns that extend up to 100 km inland. A 2017 field campaign (NaFoLiCA) revealed that these fog events are characterized by specific meteorological conditions, including cloud base height, liquid water path, and vertical profiles of wind, temperature, and humidity. Using tethered balloons, drones, and radiosondes, researchers captured detailed data during five fog nights, providing insights into the dynamics of fog formation and dissipation. This study highlights the importance of multi-scale observations in understanding the complex life cycles of desert fog.

Spirig, R., Vogt, R., Larsen, J. A., Feigenwinter, C., Wicki, A., Franceschi, J., Parlow, E., Adler, B., Kalthoff, N., Cermak, J., Andersen, H., Fuchs, J., Bott, A., Hacker, M., Wagner, N., Maggs-Kölling, G., Wassenaar, T., & Seely, M. (2019). Probing the Fog Life Cycles in the Namib Desert. Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society, 100(12), 2491–2507. https://doi.org/10.1175/bams-d-18-0142.1