Fogdwelling

Fogdwelling refers to organisms, ecological communities, and human practices that rely on atmospheric fog as a primary source of moisture. In arid and semi-arid regions, fog provides water through interception on surfaces, condensation, and dew formation, creating moist microhabitats that support life despite scarce rainfall.

Adaptive traits common among fog-dwellers include leaf surfaces and microstructures that condense droplets, fog drip on surfaces, and life stages that exploit high humidity. Foundational flora such as lichens and mosses often form the core of fog-dwelling ecosystems, while some invertebrates exploit the moisture-rich environment.

Geographic instances include coastal fog belts along western continents and montane cloud forests. These systems typically host diverse plant and animal communities maintained by frequent fog rather than heavy rain. In human contexts, fog-dwelling can also refer to communities that use fog harvesting techniques to collect water for drinking and agriculture, integrating traditional knowledge with modern technology.

Research in fog-dwelling covers ecology, hydrology, and sustainable water use. Topics include fog interception efficiency, climate-change effects on fog regimes, and the social dimensions of fog harvesting technologies used to supplement water supply for communities. Fog-dwelling highlights the ecological value of fog as a climate-driven resource and its potential role in biodiversity conservation and resilience in water-scarce landscapes.