What phenomenon causes mirages?

What phenomenon causes mirages?

• A. Reflection of light in flat surfaces
• B. Refraction of light in varying air temperatures
• C. Scattering of light by particles in the air
• D. Reflection of light by the ground surface

Answer: (B)

Mirages are primarily caused by the refraction of light due to varying air temperatures. This phenomenon occurs when light travels through layers of air that have different temperatures, which results in different densities. Warmer air is less dense than cooler air, and as light passes from cooler to warmer air, it bends or refracts. This bending creates the illusion of water or a reflective surface appearing in the distance, as the light from the sky is bent toward the observer's eyes. Essentially, the light rays are curved upward and create what appears to be a pool of water on the ground. This is why, under certain conditions, one can see an image that is actually a product of light bending, rather than a real object, leading to the optical illusion characteristic of a mirage.

Mirages are primarily caused by the refraction of light due to varying air temperatures. This phenomenon occurs when light travels through layers of air that have different temperatures, which results in different densities. Warmer air is less dense than cooler air, and as light passes from cooler to warmer air, it bends or refracts.

This bending creates the illusion of water or a reflective surface appearing in the distance, as the light from the sky is bent toward the observer's eyes. Essentially, the light rays are curved upward and create what appears to be a pool of water on the ground. This is why, under certain conditions, one can see an image that is actually a product of light bending, rather than a real object, leading to the optical illusion characteristic of a mirage.