Advection fog is primarily formed over which type of surface?

Advection fog is primarily formed over coastal waters due to the process of warm, moist air moving over cooler sea surface temperatures. When this warm air masses move in from the ocean and come into contact with colder water, it cools down and can no longer hold all of its moisture. As a result, the moisture condenses into tiny water droplets, creating the fog.

The specific conditions found along coastlines, where warm air regularly collides with the cooler ocean waters, are ideal for the development of advection fog. This phenomenon is commonly observed in locations where marine air is prevalent, especially at certain times of the year when temperature differences between sea and air are significant.

In contrast, the other options do not provide the same ideal conditions for advection fog formation. Mountain ranges primarily create different types of fog due to orographic lifting rather than advection. Deserts, characterized by low humidity and high temperatures, are typically too dry for fog formation. Flat plains may see fog formation but are more likely to experience radiation or other types of fog rather than the advection type associated with moisture-laden coastal air.