This module first introduces forecasters to aviation-forecast customers and their needs, and discusses how fog impacts aviation operations. The main content of the module then explains the physical processes and life cycle of radiation and advection fog, including their preconditioning environment, initiation, growth, and dissipation. The processes covered in the module include radiation (both solar and longwave), soil-atmosphere thermal interactions, turbulent mixing, the roles of condensation nuclei, and droplet settling. Each section of the module includes a set of interactive questions based on the information presented. The module concludes with a discussion of the physical processes and life-cycles of terrain-induced and pre- and post- frontal fog.
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After completing this lesson, the learner will:
- Identify the various users of ceilings and visibility forecasts and explain how forecasts of these conditions impact (both positively and negatively) aviation operations within each user group
- Describe the impacts of reduced visibility and ceilings on air traffic management, commercial and general aviation operations
- Explain why forecasters need to know the characteristics of local airfields that can impact local operations
- Explain the characteristics, processes, and low-level factors that influence radiation and advection fog/stratus events
- Explain the characteristics and processes that influence terrain-induced and pre- and post- frontal fog events.
capping inversion,condensation nuclei,conduction,dew formation,droplet settling,entrainment,evaporation,fog-top inversion,fog dissipation,fog growth,fog initiation,fog,heat flux,heat transfer,hygroscopic,longwave cooling,radiation fog,radiative cooling,solar radiation,thermal conductivity,turbulent mixing,condensation nuclei,conduction,dew formation,droplet settling,entrainment,evaporation,fog-top inversion,fog dissipation,fog growth,fog initiation,fog,heat flux,heat transfer,hygroscopic,longwave cooling,radiation fog,radiative cooling,solar radiation,thermal conductivity,turbulent mixing, terrain influences,fog,stratus,upslope flow,blocked flow,mountain-valley breeze,downslope flow, fog impacts,stratus impacts,aviation impacts, aviation accidents, aviation deaths, forecast impacts,aviation delays,critical thresholds,Visual Flight Rules,VFR,Instrument Flight Rules,IFR
April, 2012: This module has been updated to include information about fog formation in the tropics due to differences in the lower atmospheric structure. These changes supplment rather than change the overall substance of the material taught.
