Part A: A heat sink, in meteorological terms, refers to materials like the ground or bodies of water that absorb and retain heat from the sun, influencing local temperatures and humidity, which can contribute to cloud and fog formation.
Part B: Buildings contribute to fog formation by creating urban heat islands. They absorb more heat than natural landscapes, raising local temperatures and altering conditions necessary for fog. Urban areas also affect wind patterns and moisture levels, further impacting fog development.
Part C: Fog helps regulate temperatures by trapping heat near the ground at night, preventing heat from escaping into the atmosphere. This is especially noticeable in coastal regions, where fog leads to cooler temperatures compared to inland areas.
Part D: To reduce the risk of traffic accidents caused by fog in California, residents should use fog lights or low-beam headlights, which enhance visibility without creating glare for other drivers.