garúa

' is a Spanish word meaning drizzle or mist'. Although used in other contexts in the Spanish-speaking world, most importantly refers to the moist cold fog that blankets the coasts of Peru, southern Ecuador, and northern Chile, especially during the southern hemisphere winter. In Chile, a similar fog is called camanchaca. brings mild temperatures and high humidity to a tropical coastal desert. It also provides moisture from fog and mist to a nearly-rainless region and permits the existence of vegetated fog oases, called lomas. thumb|right|250px| in Lomas de Lachay, near Lima, Peru,

thumb|right|250px| is similar to camanchaca. While fog and drizzle are common in many coastal areas around the world, the prevalence and persistence of and its impact on climate and the environment make it unique.