Temperature Inversions
Ice Fog
Ice fog forms when the air temperature less is than -25 degrees Fahrenheit. If water vapor is subject to extreme temperature difference like -40 degree Fahrenheit, the vapor water in the air condenses into a droplet which then forms into ice crystals. Ice fog occurs with little to no wind and is usually produced by human pollution.
When temperatures remain cold for long periods of time, pollution is trapped by an surface inversion and in turn becomes ice fog. Ice fog is most common in arctic regions and can persist up to several days. Vehicles are one of the major contributors of water vapor and also carry these vapors over large areas. Other sources of large amounts of water vapor are power plants and wood stove in houses.
Fairbanks Conditons
Ice fog is mostly made up of water, but also contains pollutants like carbon monoxide and carbon dioxides. During long durations of cold temperatures that lead to poor air quality, community alerts may control AQI levels near city limits, which require home owners to use other means of heat. This procedure may help driving visibility and health conditions during these extreme temperatures.