Twilight Fog: Lake Tahoe Reminds Us of Nature's Fluid Symphony

Twilight timelapse over Lake Tahoe, Calif., reminds us that the atmosphere is a fluid, just like the ocean, and sometimes it can put on a spectacular display.

Fog, a low-lying cloud in contact with the Earth's surface, can often resemble the ocean and its waves, especially when fog moves and undulates as it encounters obstacles like mountains or valleys.

The connection between fog and ocean waves stems from their shared quality of fluid motion. Both exhibit graceful movement and are shaped by dynamic forces. You can almost see the fog crashing against Lake Tahoe’s neighboring mountains in the time-lapse above.

Fog occurs when warm, moist air cools rapidly, causing water vapor to condense into tiny droplets suspended in the air.

Unfortunately, only a tiny fraction of our atmosphere is visible, meaning moments like these are extra special when you get to see them. The next time you find yourself in fog, take a moment to appreciate its resemblance to water. You may be pleasantly surprised!