frost smoke

an ice fog caused by extremely cold air flowing over a body of comparatively warm water, especially in polar regions.

Also called barber.

Origin of frost smoke

First recorded in 1740–50

As we sail on, the sea steams like a line-kiln, “frost-smoke” covers it.

Voyages in Search of the North-West Passage |Richard Hakluyt
Yet we sped swiftly on, until a dark line was seen ahead with wreaths of "frost-smoke" curling over it.

North-Pole Voyages |Zachariah Atwell Mudge
As we sail on, the sea steams like a lime-kiln, "frost-smoke" covers it.

The International Monthly, Volume 3, No. 3, June, 1851 |Various
Soon will come a mist—unlike any mist or fog or frost-smoke you ever saw.

Smoke Bellew |Jack London

The frost-smoke is wreathing the red zone of our southern horizon.

Adrift in the Arctic Ice Pack |Elisha Kent Kane