Terrestrial ecosystems near large bodies of water, like the Pacific Ocean, receive additional moisture from the effects of water-ladened air masses. When relatively warmer and drier air moves over a cooler body of water the air tends to cool and take on water vapor, this moist air then travels at low elevations over the coastal land mass and that water condenses into fog or mist. Many plant communities near a coast line will benefit from this additional moisture especially in the dry times.
