What is the primary method of dissipating advection fog?

The primary method of dissipating advection fog is through a wind shift. Advection fog forms when warm, moist air moves over a cooler surface, which cools the air down to its dew point, resulting in fog. When there is a shift in the wind, it can bring in drier or warmer air from another area, effectively altering the conditions that allowed the fog to form. This change in airflow can increase air movement and promote mixing, which ultimately helps to lift and dissipate the fog.

Wind shifts are particularly effective because they directly influence the temperature and moisture content of the air mass. If the new wind brings in conditions that are less conducive to fog formation—either by raising temperatures or reducing humidity—the fog will begin to dissipate.

Other options such as increased temperature and decrease in humidity may contribute to dissipating fog, they are usually a result of an interaction with wind and do not specifically address the primary mechanism by which advection fog is cleared. Heightening atmospheric pressure could influence weather patterns but is not a direct or primary means for fog dissipation. Thus, a wind shift is the most effective and immediate method for removing advection fog.