Wall Of Sea Fog Appears In Cornwall
A holidaymaker captured this incredible photo of a huge wall of sea fog rolling past Land’s End, Cornwall.
The photo, captured in 2018 when temperatures in the UK peaked at 33C, has been circulating on social media recently.
A fog tsunami, such as this photo in Lands End, is a type of advection fog.
This forms when warm, moist air condenses as it flows horizontally over a much colder watery surface.
In late spring and early summer, the land begins to warm as the days grow longer.
During this gentle warming progress, bodies of water can still be cold.
The water cools the warm air significantly, which condenses to form minuscule water droplets.
These droplets eventually turn into a giant wall of fog.
The fog tsunami forms and maintains its distinctive wall shape because of a sea breeze front.
This forms when there is a change in air pressure and wind speed, and when hot, unstable air from the land meets cooler, stable air from the sea.
These opposing forces create an invisible boundary, allowing the fog to form a wall.
This wall then moves slowly toward the land.
At the time, the natural phenomena brought some disruption with it.
An RNLI spokesman said: “The beach at Perranporth was red flagged until 1pm on Sunday due to the sea mist.”
Portreath Beach also faced similar closures - not only did the mist block the sunshine but it also reduced the temperature quite dramatically.
The Met Office warn people not to get too close, as it can sometimes be dangerous.
Writing on their website, the said: “The sudden onset of coastal fog can sometimes be dangerous, causing disorientation as it dramatically reduces visibility.
”It can also affect industries such as shipping and oil platforms, where it has been known for stubborn coastal fog to disrupt productivity for long periods.”
Coastal fog is a regular occurrence along the eastern coast of the UK and is most common during spring and summer.
In eastern Scotland, it is known locally as Haar whilst in eastern England, the coastal fog is referred to as Fret.
Reacting to the spooky photo on social media, one person said: “I have seen these roll in from the sea, amazing when you’re stood on a hill side watching it roll in and then you can’t see a thing.”
Another person added: “I remember seeing it! We're local and had never seen such a cloud rolling in, looks incredible!”
Land's End is renowned for its striking geological formations that have been shaped by millions of years of natural forces.
The towering cliffs, battered by the relentless waves of the Atlantic Ocean, stand as sentinels.
If you visit, you can witness the captivating sight of the 'Enys Dodnan' sea arch and the iconic 'Armed Knight' rock formation, both carved by the powerful forces of wind and water.
Exploring Land's End provides an opportunity to feast one's eyes on breathtaking panoramic views.
The vast expanse of the Celtic Sea stretches to the horizon, offering mesmerising sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant hues.
The rugged coastline, adorned with hidden coves and pristine beaches, beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts to discover its secrets.
Wildlife thrives in this coastal habitat, with seabirds soaring overhead and seals occasionally basking on the rocks below.
The area is also dotted with remnants of ancient settlements and historical landmarks, each with its own story to tell.
The famous 'First and Last House' marks the westernmost point of England, attracting visitors who wish to capture a photo at this iconic spot.
Nearby, the 'Mayon Cliff Fogou' offers a glimpse into Cornwall's Iron Age past, with its mysterious underground chambers.
Efforts to conserve the natural beauty of Land's End are ongoing, with conservation projects aimed at protecting the diverse flora and fauna.
Sustainable tourism practices help preserve this precious environment for future generations to enjoy.
Land’s End has raving reviews on TripAdvisor, one recent visitor said: “Its a very beautiful place to visit with Family.
”I was there on a day with slight drizzling but it was good. Sunny day would be a perfect day to visit this place.
”You can also enjoy a good long walk next to the cliff having a perfect coastal view.”
Another person aded: “We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to lands end, we did the usual touristy thing and had our photo taken at the signpost.
”There is an extra charge for this, but it is personalised with details of where you live and how far from lands end.
”The views are great, lots of souvenirs in the shops available. We also did the crazy golf there, was great fun. Plenty of parking.”
Unfortunately, it was announced this week that, from January 2024, the famous Land’s End signpost is set to be removed, as people call it "the end of an era".
Land's End had opted not to renew its contract with the local company that erected the sign.
The famous monument in Cornwall is made famous by the thousands of celebrity End-to-Enders who have posed beside it before or after their remarkable journeys across the length of Great Britain.
Land's End is either the start or finishing point of end to end journeys with John o’Groats in Scotland.
Peter Puddiphatt, who has spent 28 years working beside the post as a photographer, released a statement on Facebook confirming the news.
You can read more about that story on the ‘news’ section of four website HERE.
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