Sea Smoke Has the Briefest of Seasons
Creeping toward Menemsha.
Creeping toward Menemsha.
Sea smoke hovers over Vineyard Haven harbor looking toward Eastville.
Sea smoke hovers over Vineyard Haven harbor looking toward Eastville.
Empty beach and lifeguard stand to take in the sight.
Empty beach and lifeguard stand to take in the sight.
Viewed safely from shore, sea smoke is among the evanescent beauties of these cold days.
Viewed safely from shore, sea smoke is among the evanescent beauties of these cold days.
Frozen harbor dressed in winter gray.
Frozen harbor dressed in winter gray.
Sea smoke clings in wisps to the Shenandoah.
Sea smoke clings in wisps to the Shenandoah.
Water, when it is considerably warmer than its surroundings, will turn to vapor.
Water, when it is considerably warmer than its surroundings, will turn to vapor.
Offshore sea smoke can send visibility plummeting to zero.
Offshore sea smoke can send visibility plummeting to zero.
East Chop pier draped in icicles as well.
East Chop pier draped in icicles as well.
Of all the clouds that form around the Island, sea smoke has the briefest season. The fogbanks of summer are formed when the earth cools at night and water condenses out of the humid atmosphere, only to be evaporated again beneath the morning sun. Sea smoke is also born of a temperature differential, but in this case the needed ingredients are warmish ocean water and a much colder layer of air.