What type of fog is most commonly associated with coastal areas?

Advection fog is most commonly associated with coastal areas due to the specific atmospheric conditions that prevail in these regions. This type of fog forms when warm, moist air moves over a colder surface, such as the cooler ocean waters. As the warm air comes into contact with the cold surface, it cools down and condenses, resulting in the formation of fog. Coastal environments often have a significant temperature contrast between the warm air and the cold ocean, especially during the evening and night, making advection fog a frequent phenomenon in these locations.

In contrast, radiation fog typically occurs in inland areas on clear nights when the ground loses heat, cooling the air above it and leading to condensation. Steam fog forms when cold air moves over warmer water, creating a steamy appearance; this is common over lakes and rivers rather than coastlines. Ground fog, which is similar to radiation fog, tends to form in low-lying areas where cooler air settles, and is also less associated with the specific climatic conditions found along coastlines. Therefore, advection fog stands out as the primary form of fog in coastal areas due to the interplay between warm air and cooler ocean surfaces.