Bruma: What is it and how it is formed

Bruma: What is it and how it is formed

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Bruma is a meteorological phenomenon composed of small drops of water suspended in the air. This occurs when moisture is condensed in small particles and is suspended near the ground. It is common in coastal and wooded areas where moisture is high and fresh temperatures. It can also be caused by pollution and gase emissions of cars and factories. It is frequently confused with fog and fog. Among these three terms there are always enough confusion.

In this ecology article, we will tell you What is the mist and how it is formedin addition to the differences that exist between mist, fog and fog.

What is the mist

Bruma is an atmospheric phenomenon characterized by presence of small water particles or other substances in suspension in the airwhich reduces visibility and creates a diffuse and opaque appearance in the environment. This phenomenon occurs when steam -shaped water is condensed in microscopic particles, usually in the early hours of the morning or during the night, when temperatures are lower.

Bruma is common in places where there are nearby water sourcessuch as rivers, lakes or seas, since evaporated water rises in the air and then condenses in small drops that form the mist. It can also occur in urban areas due to air pollutionwhich can create suspended particles that contribute to the formation of the mist.

One of the most notable effects of mist is Visibility reductionwhich can be dangerous for driving and navigation, since it makes it difficult to perceive objects and obstacles along the way. In addition, the mist can create a quiet and mysterious atmosphere, often associated with picturesque landscapes and scenes of nature.

Bruma: What is it and how it is formed - What is the mist

How the mist form

Bruma formation is based on a physical process known as condensation. For the mist form, certain specific atmospheric conditions must be met:

  • High relative humidity: The mist form when the relative humidity in the air is high, which means that the amount of water vapor present in the air is close to its maximum retention capacity. This high relative humidity may be due to the evaporation of water from nearby sources, such as water bodies, wet soils or vegetation.
  • Air cooling: Air cooling is essential for mist form. When the air cools, it loses its ability to retain water in the form of steam. This can occur during the night, when the temperature drops or near the colder water bodies, where warm and humid air comes into contact with the coldest surface of the water.
  • Condensation nuclei: In order for water vapor to condense and form the small drops of water that make up the mist, microscopic particles are needed in the air, known as condensation nuclei. These nuclei can be particles of dust, salt or even particles of pollutants in the air. Condensation nuclei provide surfaces on which water vapor can condense.
  • Light calm or winds: Strong air currents tend to disperse the water particles before they have the opportunity to condense in a dense mist. Therefore, so that the mist is remarkable and dense, it is necessary that there are light winds or a relatively quiet atmosphere that allows the water particles to remain suspended in the air for a prolonged period of time.

Do not miss this article about what is condensation of water and examples.

Bruma: What is it and how it is formed - how the mist form

Difference between mist, fog and mist

These terms are interchangeable in many countries, or one term can be more common than another in some countries. However, there are some technical characteristics that distinguish these terms, making them very different.

In the first place, we must realize that fog, mist and mist are simply low level clouds that usually appear on the sea or the earth’s surface. The formation process is similar to that of clouds, except that they remain stationary on the surface, which limits visibility.

Fog and fog they represent the same, but the name It depends on the visibility they reduce. If visibility is less than 1000 meters, then we call it fog. If visibility exceeds 1 km, it is called fog. As the clouds are formed by many drops of water vapor, they form in different ways and under different conditions.

The Radiation mist It is formed when the soil is colder than the environment. It usually occurs at night, when the ground cools due to the loss of heat from the sun. The air closest to the ground cools and together with the humidity these droplets suspended in the atmosphere are formed. The lack of wind and clear time can keep temperatures low at night, which is essential.

The Support fog It is formed when the environment is wet and a lot of cold air arrives or moisture reaches a cold area. This type of fog is more common during the day and usually occurs near the ocean waters.

The orographic fog It is formed when the humid air rises along the slope of a mountain and condenses when it reaches a certain level, often covering the top of a mountain. Another way in which the orographic fog forms is when cold air falls from the mountains, condensing moisture in the valleys. This last shape is usually more widespread, the fog is thicker, it makes visibility difficult, it has a higher moisture content and water drops suspended in the atmosphere are usually larger than fog.

The mist, on the other hand, it is a type of fog or fog, but the difference lies in its content. Not only is it composed of water, but also from other suspended particles. As the mist always appears in the sea, it will not reduce visibility on a road.

Now that you know what the mist and how it is formed, do not miss these articles on the fog forests: what are and characteristics and the photochemical smog: what is, causes and consequences.

If you want to read more articles similar to Bruma: What is it and how it is formedwe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
Published in