Coastal California is famous for fog and smog (fog mixed with smoke).Why is the California coast foggy/smoggy,whereas Houston,Texas,which is at similar latitude,might get occasional smog from too many cars,but fog is relatively rare?
A)Cold currents along the Texas coast inhibit fog,whereas the ocean is warm off California.
B)The ocean is warm off the Texas coast,but a cold current running offshore California generates fog when the cold,moist air is drawn ashore by a sea breeze.
C)There isn't really any fog; it is all just smog from too many cars in California.
D)Warm air in Texas rises to make clouds and not fog,whereas in California cold water from the ocean mixes with warm water from the land to generate fog.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The ocean off the coast of Texas is warm, which inhibits the formation of fog. However, a cold current running offshore California generates fog when the cold, moist air is drawn ashore by a sea breeze. Smog in California is also caused by pollution from cars and other sources, but it is not the sole cause of the fog.

Coastal California Is Famous for Fog and Smog (Fog Mixed