fogsand

Fogsand is a term used primarily in speculative discussions and fiction to describe a hypothetical material or surface state in which sand grains are bound by condensed fog droplets. In mainstream geology and geomorphology, the concept is not recognized as a distinct mineral or sediment class, though researchers acknowledge that fog can deposit moisture on sandy surfaces and influence texture and cohesion in certain environments.

Formation and characteristics are imagined as follows: when persistent fog envelopes a sandy area, water droplets condense onto exposed grains and into interstitial pores. Over time, capillary bridges form between adjacent grains, increasing surface cohesion and creating a thin, moisture-bound layer. This fog-bound layer can be transient, thickening with continued fog events and thinning as humidity drops. The resulting “fogsand” would be more cohesive than dry sand but not as rigid as fully wet, saturated soil, and it would dry out relatively quickly when fog ceases.

Occurrence and relevance focus on fog-prone environments, particularly coastal deserts and high humidity microclimates where frequent fog events occur. In such settings, fog deposition can influence dune stability, crust formation, and moisture availability for microorganisms and plants. The concept has potential implications for understanding short-term changes in dune mobility and surface properties, as well as for fog-harvesting studies that explore how atmospheric moisture interacts with sandy substrates.

Terminology note: fogsand is not a standard scientific term. It is more often encountered in hypothetical discussions or fictional contexts; real-world observations describe fog-related moisture effects on sand without using this label.