View source for Mist

{{Short description|Phenomenon caused by small droplets of water suspended in air}}
{{Other uses}}
[[File:За селом 2.jpg|thumb|A misty autumn morning in the outskirts of [[Rakhiv]], [[Carpathian Biosphere Reserve]], [[Ukraine]]]]
[[File:Chambord au lever du jour.jpg|thumb|The [[Château de Chambord]] in France, in mist]]
'''Mist''' is a [[natural phenomenon]] caused by small droplets of [[water]] [[aerosol]]s suspended in the cold air, usually by [[condensation]]. Physically, it is an example of a [[dispersion (chemistry)|dispersion]], most commonly seen where [[water vapor]] in warm, moist air meets sudden cooling, such as in [[exhalation|exhale]]d air in the winter, or when hot [[sauna]] [[steam]] is suddenly released outside. Mist occurs naturally as part of [[weather]], typically when humid air comes into contact with surfaces that are much cooler (e.g. mountains). It can also be created artificially with [[aerosol spray dispenser]]s if the [[humidity]] and temperature conditions are right.

The formation of mist, as of other [[suspension (chemistry)|suspensions]], is greatly aided by the presence of [[nucleation site]]s on which the suspended water phase can congeal. Thus even such unusual sources of nucleation as small [[ejecta]] [[particulate]]s from [[volcanic eruption]]s, releases of strongly polar gases, and even the [[magnetospheric]] ions associated with [[aurora|polar lights]] can in right conditions trigger condensation and mist formation.

Mist is commonly confused with [[fog]], which resembles a [[stratus cloud]] lying at ground level. These two phenomena differ, but share some commonalities; similar condensation processes form both fog and mist. Fog is denser, more opaque and generally lasts a longer time, while mist is thinner and more transparent.

==Description==
[[File:Morning mist - panoramio - Henrik Heino.jpg|thumb|A light morning mist on Lake Suolijärvi in [[Hervanta]], [[Tampere]], [[Finland]]]]
[[Cloud cover]] is often referred to as "mist" when encountered on surfaces of mountains, whereas moisture suspended above a body of water, cleared or marsh area is usually called "fog".{{cn|date=December 2024}} One main difference between mist and fog is [[visibility]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.rcn27.dial.pipex.com/cloudsrus/mistnfog.html |title=Mist and Fog |access-date=2006-01-16 |url-status = dead|archive-url=https://archive.today/20121210065921/http://www.rcn27.dial.pipex.com/cloudsrus/mistnfog.html |archive-date=2012-12-10 }}</ref> The phenomenon is called fog if the visibility is {{cvt|1|km|yd}} or less. In the United Kingdom, the definition of fog is visibility less than {{cvt|100|m|ft}} on the surface for driving purposes,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/driving-adverse-weather-conditions-226-to-237/overview-226 |title=Driving in adverse weather conditions (226 to 237) |publisher=[[Government of the United Kingdom]] |work=gov.uk}}</ref> while for pilots the distance is 1&nbsp;km at cruising height. Otherwise, it is known as mist.
[[File:American Falls and Rainbow.jpg|thumb|A [[rainbow]] formed from the water spray at [[American Falls]]]]
Mist makes a light beam visible from the side via [[refraction]] and [[light scattering by particles|scattering]] on the suspended water droplets, and [[rainbow]]s can be possibly created. 

"Scotch mist" is a light steady drizzle that appears like mist.

Mist usually occurs near the shores and is often associated with fog. Mist can be as high as mountain tops when extreme temperatures are low and strong condensation occurs.

'''Freezing mist''' is similar to [[freezing fog]], only the density is less and the visibility greater. When fog falls below 0°C, it is known as freezing fog, however it still stays suspended.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.theweatherprediction.com/habyhints/359/ |title=What Is Difference Between Ice Fog and Freezing Fog? }}</ref>

==See also==
*[[Aerosol]]
*[[Aeroponics]]
*[[Brocken spectre]]
*[[Drizzle]]
*[[Fog]]
*[[Haze]]
*[[Spray (disambiguation)]]
*[[Rain]]

==References==
{{reflist}}
{{clear}}

==External links==
{{Wiktionary|mist}}
{{Commons category|Mist (visible atmospheric water)}}

{{Aerosol terminology|state=expanded}}

[[Category:Air pollution]]
[[Category:Fog]]
[[Category:Psychrometrics]]