On a very hot day, we often see shimmering wavy lines near the ground. It is due to
[amp_mcq option1=”dispersion of light” option2=”refraction of light” option3=”reflection of light” option4=”total internal reflection of light” correct=”option2″]
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UPSC Geoscientist – 2022
On hot days, the ground heats the air just above it, creating a significant temperature gradient. Hot air is less dense than cooler air and has a slightly lower refractive index. Light rays passing through these layers of air with different refractive indices are continuously bent (refracted). As convection causes these pockets of hot and cool air to move and mix, the light rays are constantly being bent in different directions, making distant objects appear distorted, blurred, and wavy or shimmering. This is a form of atmospheric refraction.