How do advection fog and radiation fog differ in their formation or location?

Advection fog and radiation fog indeed have distinct formation processes and frequently occur in different locations, and understanding these differences can help in recognizing them in practical scenarios.

Radiation fog forms primarily in land areas and is driven by nighttime cooling. As the ground loses heat through radiation, the air close to the surface cools down, often resulting in saturation with moisture, thus leading to the creation of fog. This type of fog is most common in valleys or flat areas where the cooler air can settle and form a layer of fog.

Conversely, advection fog occurs when warm, moist air moves horizontally over cooler surfaces, such as water or cold land. This movement of air, typically associated with wind, leads to the cooling and condensation of moisture in the air mass, forming fog. Coastal areas are particularly prone to this type of fog due to the continuous interaction between warm maritime air and cooler ocean surfaces.

Understanding these mechanisms clarifies why radiation fog is generally observed over land during calm, clear nights, and why advection fog is prevalent along coasts, where warm air from the ocean interacts with cooler land or water. This explains the accuracy of the chosen answer regarding the specific locations and formation characteristics of each fog type.