What are the main factors that contribute to the formation of dense fog in north India
Dense fog has been observed in north India, leading to flight diversions at Delhi airport.
The formation of dense fog in north India can be attributed to several factors. Here are the main contributing factors:
- Geographical Location: North India is predominantly landlocked, which reduces the influence of maritime air masses. This makes the region prone to colder temperatures and conducive to the formation of fog.
- Moisture Content: During winter months, the region experiences relatively high levels of moisture due to various factors such as irrigation, the nearby Himalayan range, and the presence of rivers and water bodies.
- Calm Winds: During the night and early morning hours, wind speeds are typically low in north India. Calm winds prevent the dispersion of fog and allow it to settle, leading to denser fog formations.
- Temperature Inversion: Cold air near the ground gets trapped under a layer of warmer air above, creating a temperature inversion. This inversion restricts vertical mixing, leading to fog formation and preventing the dissipation of fog during the day.
- Pollution and Aerosols: High levels of pollution, particularly particulate matter and aerosols, can act as fog condensation nuclei. These particles provide a surface for water vapor to condense and form fog droplets.
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