California's iconic coastal fog is a staple of the state's landscape, but its future is shrouded in uncertainty. A recent research project aims to shed light on this phenomenon by monitoring the intake of fog along 15 unique locations along the California coast.
The Pacific Coastal Fog Research project, led by Professor Daniel Fernandez from Cal State Monterey Bay, will attempt to expand coverage of fog monitoring from Eureka to San Diego. Fernandez and his team, dubbed the "Fog Five," have been awarded a $733,000 grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation to study the impact of climate change on fog over the next five years.
Fernandez's research involves using two main methods to measure fog: first, by collecting water droplets in troughs placed at different locations; and second, by analyzing the number and size of water droplets in the air with precision instruments. By comparing these values, Fernandez hopes to gain a clearer understanding of how much fog is present at any given time and place.
Todd Dawson, a plant ecologist from the University of California, Berkeley, commends the project's innovation, citing its expansion of the study area, standardization of collector equipment, and examination of local topography's impact on fog variability. However, he also notes that some parts of the coast have experienced declining fog frequency since the 1950s.
Dawson's own research has shown that fog frequency on the Central Coast has fallen by 33% since the beginning of the 20th century. He attributes this decline to the warming of ocean temperatures, which disrupts the critical ingredient necessary for sea fog: the intermixing of cold upwelling water and warm air temperatures above the land.
Fernandez acknowledges that there is no clear-cut linear change in fog density across the state but emphasizes the importance of nuance when discussing its supposed decline. The project's findings will aim to identify patterns in spatial variation, which can inform us about its overall quantity – and whether it's experiencing a slump or not.
Ultimately, the Pacific Coastal Fog Research project seeks to answer questions about the impact of fog on local ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities. By shedding light on this enigmatic phenomenon, the research aims to provide insights into the daily lives of coastal Californians, from its effects on travel conditions to its cooling effect on regional temperatures.
The Pacific Coastal Fog Research project, led by Professor Daniel Fernandez from Cal State Monterey Bay, will attempt to expand coverage of fog monitoring from Eureka to San Diego. Fernandez and his team, dubbed the "Fog Five," have been awarded a $733,000 grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation to study the impact of climate change on fog over the next five years.
Fernandez's research involves using two main methods to measure fog: first, by collecting water droplets in troughs placed at different locations; and second, by analyzing the number and size of water droplets in the air with precision instruments. By comparing these values, Fernandez hopes to gain a clearer understanding of how much fog is present at any given time and place.
Todd Dawson, a plant ecologist from the University of California, Berkeley, commends the project's innovation, citing its expansion of the study area, standardization of collector equipment, and examination of local topography's impact on fog variability. However, he also notes that some parts of the coast have experienced declining fog frequency since the 1950s.
Dawson's own research has shown that fog frequency on the Central Coast has fallen by 33% since the beginning of the 20th century. He attributes this decline to the warming of ocean temperatures, which disrupts the critical ingredient necessary for sea fog: the intermixing of cold upwelling water and warm air temperatures above the land.
Fernandez acknowledges that there is no clear-cut linear change in fog density across the state but emphasizes the importance of nuance when discussing its supposed decline. The project's findings will aim to identify patterns in spatial variation, which can inform us about its overall quantity – and whether it's experiencing a slump or not.
Ultimately, the Pacific Coastal Fog Research project seeks to answer questions about the impact of fog on local ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities. By shedding light on this enigmatic phenomenon, the research aims to provide insights into the daily lives of coastal Californians, from its effects on travel conditions to its cooling effect on regional temperatures.
I'm all about the Pacific Coastal Fog Research project 
! It's like, super cool that they're expanding their study area and using new methods to measure fog 
. I mean, who doesn't love a good foggy day in Cali? 
But seriously, understanding how climate change is affecting our fog supply could be pretty game-changing for coastal communities 
. Like, if we can figure out why some parts of the coast are seeing declining fog frequency, it could help us make more informed decisions about conservation and adaptation strategies 
. Plus, it's always rad to see researchers working together to tackle a complex problem like this 
. Can't wait to see what they learn! 
it's like the weather just can't even make up its mind anymore! So there's this new research project trying to figure out what's going on with that iconic California fog and I am HERE FOR IT 
we need answers, not just a bunch of fancy stats and graphs. And what's with the uncertainty about fog density across the state? Can't we just have some clarity for once? 
.
. Some scientist dude is saying that warming ocean temperatures are messing with the whole sea fog thing, which I guess makes sense. I mean, we've all noticed how hot it gets in Cali during the summer 
.
. We should definitely be paying attention to this 
.
But for real, climate change is a big deal and if we can figure out how it affects the coast, that'd be awesome. I mean, I remember when my grandpa lived in SF and fog was all over the place, now it's like, super sunny most days... 
I'm not sure what's more puzzlin', the fact that it's gettin' less fog or the price of avocado toast 
. Anyways, hope they find out some cool stuff about our Cali coast and its mystical fog! 
. I mean, a $733k grant don't exactly fill me with confidence that this project's gonna be able to make some real waves 
️. And what's the timeline look like here? Five years is a pretty long time to be studyin' one phenomenon when there's already so much other stuff goin' on in the world 
. Still, I guess it's worth keepin' an eye on... but don't expect me to get all excited about it 
.
. And hey, if this project can help us better understand how fog affects local ecosystems and communities, that's a win in my book 
!
.
. and can you imagine being able to track the changes in fog patterns over time? that would be so cool 
.
. He said it was so thick you could barely see your hand in front of your face! It's crazy that we're seeing more variability now with climate change and all.
.
It's crazy! And it's not just about coastal fog, they're also looking at its impact on local ecosystems, biodiversity, and human communities 
.
I mean we've been seein' all these devastating wildfires and whatnot. It feels like we should be focusin' on the bigger picture rather than just studyin' one tiny part of the problem 
Anyway, can't wait to see what these Fog Five researchers come up with - maybe they'll help us better understand how we're gonna deal with all that reduced fog 
my friend just got engaged last month, we had to drive through some pretty crazy fog on our way to the ceremony, it was like a whole different world out there! 
do they think they'll be able to figure out how to make more fog or something? that would be so cool 
! That would be so lit 
climate change is a real thing, folks, and it's affecting our coastlines, no doubt about it. i mean, the research project they're doing now is actually pretty cool