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Why Is Mount Diablo Wearing A Cap Today?

KPIX 5 Morning Weather Anchor Roberta Gonzales answers the questions you never get to ask on-air.

Q: Why is Mt. Diablo wearing a "cap" today? (from viewer "Jeff")

A: Jeff, thank you and your wife Stephanie for the awesome picture! It appears as if this is a really cool example of Radiation (or Tule) fog, which formed in the Valley after recent rains. The fog is spilling over Mt. Diablo as it surges into the Tri Valley and spreads widely. The fog appears to be enhanced, due to the southeast flow from the Delta, which is pushing the fog uphill.

As far as I can find, there are at least 11 different types of fog from: Radiation (or Tule), Advection, Upslope, Ice, Freezing, Evaporation (or Mixing Fog), Hail, Sea (or Coastal Fog), Ground Fog and Precipitation Fog.

One of the most interesting types of fog is Garua Fog which occurs along the Peru and Chilean Coast. It is typical sea fog which travels inland, but suddenly meets an area of hot air. This causes the water particles of fog to shrink by evaporation, producing a "transparent mist". The fog is nearly invisible, yet it still forces drivers to use windshield wipers because of deposition of liquid water on hard surfaces.

Any questions or observations? I would love to hear from you! Please email me at: Gonzales@kpix.cbs.com

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