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Mist

earth science Maturity 11-13 climate Next article →

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Mist is a natural thing in our world.

Chambord au lever du jour
Chambord au lever du jour

It is made of tiny water drops in the air. These drops stay floating because of condensation. This happens when warm, moist air meets cold air. For example, you see this when you breathe out in winter. You might also see it when hot steam leaves a sauna.

Morning mist - panoramio - Henrik Heino
Morning mist - panoramio - Henrik Heino

Mist can happen near cold mountains or water. Small bits in the air help the water drops form. These bits are called nucleation sites. Even tiny bits from volcanoes can help make mist.

Some people think mist is the same as fog. They are similar, but they are not the same. Fog is thick and hard to see through. Mist is thinner and more clear. Scientists use visibility to tell them apart. If you cannot see very far, it is fog. If you can see better, it is mist.

American Falls and Rainbow
American Falls and Rainbow

Mist can even make a rainbow. This happens when light hits the tiny water drops. Mist can also be very high on mountain tops.

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🖼️ Images & Media (4)
File:За селом 2.jpg
За селом 2.jpg
File:Chambord au lever du jour.jpg
Chambord au lever du jour.jpg
File:Morning mist - panoramio - Henrik Heino.jpg
Morning mist - panoramio - Henrik Heino.jpg
File:American Falls and Rainbow.jpg
American Falls and Rainbow.jpg
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