What To Know
- The mysterious appearance of the fog tsunamiWhen observed from a distance, this phenomenon gives the impression of witnessing a tsunami in the sky.
- Formation and occurrenceThe fog tsunami forms above large bodies of water, such as an ocean or a great lake, due to the condensation of water vapor.
- The roll cloud or arcus appears at the forefront of storm clouds and its appearance can indeed be similar to that of a fog tsunami.
Under certain meteorological conditions, fog can appear in a spectacular manner. A true fog wall, resembling a giant wave, can sweep over a beach within minutes, causing panic among those who witness it!
the mysterious appearance of the fog tsunami
When observed from a distance, this phenomenon gives the impression of witnessing a tsunami in the sky. It’s for this reason that this meteorological marvel is known as the “fog tsunami.” Unlike a water wave, this wall of water vapor can stretch over 25 miles and reach several hundred feet in height. Typically, this phenomenon occurs when the sky was clear just moments before, making the fog tsunami seem to appear out of nowhere.
formation and occurrence
The fog tsunami forms above large bodies of water, such as an ocean or a great lake, due to the condensation of water vapor. This is essentially advection fog related to the presence of warm air masses at higher altitudes and cooler air near the surface (a colder sea). Thus, it most often happens at the end of spring or early summer when waters haven’t warmed up yet but warm days are already possible. The cooler water chills the milder air above it, leading to condensation.
As such, a fog wall forms and is then propelled by circulating breezes; it rolls into itself and thereby takes on the characteristic shape of a tsunami.
similarities with other phenomena
The fog tsunami appears so menacing that it’s sometimes mistaken for another completely different weather phenomenon: the arcus cloud. The roll cloud or arcus appears at the forefront of storm clouds and its appearance can indeed be similar to that of a fog tsunami. However, an arcus is typically much thicker and darker compared to the usually very white fog tsunami.
- An arcus cloud signifies an approaching storm front.
- The thickness of an arcus makes it appear darker than typical fog formations.
a sight above lake michigan
One notable instance of this phenomenon occurred above Lake Michigan in the United States. Witnesses described seeing what looked like an enormous white wave rolling across the horizon. Its visual impact was striking enough to create confusion about whether it was indeed just fog or something more sinister.
- Lake Michigan’s geographical location makes it prone to such occurrences.
- Temperature variations between land and water contribute significantly to formation conditions.
