camanchaca

Camanchaca, also known as garúa, is a type of fog or mist that forms along the Pacific coast of South America, particularly in Chile and Peru. This phenomenon is a result of the cold Humboldt Current meeting the warmer, moist air from the ocean. As the warm, humid air rises and cools, it condenses into tiny water droplets, forming a dense fog.

The camanchaca typically occurs at low altitudes, often clinging to coastal hills and mountains. Its presence can dramatically reduce visibility, sometimes to mere meters, and can create a unique, damp microclimate. Despite its often-foggy appearance, camanchaca can carry a significant amount of moisture. In some regions, this fog is a crucial source of water for local flora and fauna, supporting unique ecosystems that would otherwise struggle in the arid coastal desert. Specialized adaptations, such as fog-catching nets, have been developed in some areas to harvest this moisture for human use, providing water for agriculture and human consumption in otherwise dry environments. The visual effect of the camanchaca rolling in from the ocean is a striking and characteristic feature of these coastal landscapes.