The difference between clouds and fog in Chinese painting

Clouds, fog and smoke are all formed by water vapor in the atmosphere, but they have some differences:

1. Formation mode: Clouds are formed by water vapor rising from the ground to high altitude. At a certain height, water vapor condenses into small water droplets or small ice crystals. Fog is formed by water vapor in the near-surface layer of the atmosphere. On the other hand, smoke is a kind of solid particles, which are floated in the atmosphere by dust or water vapor blown by gas.

2. Physical properties: both clouds and fog are water vapor condensate, but they are formed in different positions. Clouds are formed in the upper atmosphere, while fog is formed in the near layer of the atmosphere. On the other hand, smoke is a light solid particulate matter that can float in the air.

3. Visual effect: clouds are formed by condensation of water vapor in the atmosphere in the sky, which can usually be seen in the sky; Fog is usually near the ground and will form when the environment is very wet; On the other hand, when something burns or undergoes a chemical reaction, it will produce smoke.

To sum up, the main differences among clouds, fog and smoke lie in their formation, physical properties and visual effects.