The key difference between mist and haze lies in the source and composition of the airborne particles. Mist consists of tiny water droplets suspended in the air, while haze is caused by dry particles, often pollutants, in the air.
Understanding Mist
Mist is essentially a light fog. It reduces visibility, but not as significantly as fog. The suspended particles are tiny water droplets, resulting from condensation of water vapor. Think of a light, ethereal cloud hugging the ground.
Understanding Haze
Haze, on the other hand, is caused by the presence of dry particles in the atmosphere. These particles can be various pollutants like dust, smoke, or salt. Unlike mist, which is composed of water, haze is comprised of these dry particles. The particles scatter light, reducing visibility and often creating a hazy, somewhat blurry appearance. Importantly, while mist and fog occur when water droplets hang in the air, haze happens when the particles in the air are pollutants. Often, haze is found far from the pollution source, carried by wind currents.
Key Differences Summarized:
| Feature | Mist | Haze |
|---|---|---|
| Composition | Water droplets | Dry particles (pollutants) |
| Visibility | Reduced, but less than fog | Reduced |
| Source | Water vapor condensation | Pollution sources (often distant) |
Examples:
- Mist: A cool, damp morning with reduced visibility due to fine water droplets near a lake or river.
- Haze: A smoky, blurry view of distant mountains due to wildfire smoke or industrial pollutants.
