Fog is a common sight along the California coast, but many don’t fully understand it. To change this, researchers in California have joined forces for a study funded by a $3.7 million grant from the Heising-Simon Foundation. This five-year project aims to uncover the secrets of coastal fog, examining its role in ecosystems and potential impacts from climate change and pollution.
Sara Baguskas, from San Francisco State University, is part of the research team. This spring, they will collect data from San Diego to Humboldt County using large fog collectors and sensors. These tools will measure temperature, humidity, wind speed, and other factors. “It’s a unique chance to address fundamental questions about how fog affects our ecosystems,” Baguskas explained.
One interesting aspect of the study is the design of the fog collectors. They look like trees with fine mesh nets that catch water droplets. The moisture drips down into troughs for collection. Additionally, they will use towers that continuously monitor air quality, allowing researchers to compare fog events across different locations simultaneously.
Another team, led by environmental chemist Peter Weiss-Penzias from UC Santa Cruz, is investigating the chemical makeup of fog, including any toxic substances. They have already found that coastal fog contains methyl mercury, a naturally occurring toxin produced by ocean bacteria. As surface water is pushed away by wind, deeper water rises, carrying this toxin into the fog, which can then deposit it on land. Preliminary studies show that levels of methyl mercury are higher near the coast than inland.
The challenge is significant. Methyl mercury can accumulate in lichens and then move up the food chain. For example, deer may eat lichens, and then mountain lions may hunt those deer. Weiss-Penzias emphasizes that fog is particularly vulnerable to pollution. “Fog can absorb gases and particles more easily due to its small droplets,” he noted.
Both teams are placing their fog collectors strategically. They will analyze fog from areas near heavy traffic and industrial sites to study pollution patterns. “If pollution enters fog, it can spread across the landscape,” Weiss-Penzias warned.
Interestingly, fog is a vital water source during California’s dry seasons. Studies show that it provides essential moisture to redwoods and other coastal plants. While most past research focused on weather patterns affecting fog, the growing recognition of its susceptibility to pollution has prompted this new interdisciplinary approach to understanding fog’s dynamics.
Data from this research could guide future decisions about environmental health, pollution control, and protect vital ecosystems. As Baguskas puts it, “We’re embarking on a complex journey to better understand how fog interacts with everything around it.”
Source link
climate change,environment,newsletter,news,weather,california,central coast,northern california,san francisco,santa clara county,santa cruz,santa cruz county,california news,latest headlines,local news,science
