MLchartDataset catalogue

Inferior mirage

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-006533

An optical phenomenon where distant objects appear to be displaced downwards and inverted, as if reflected in a pool of water. This occurs when the air near the ground or water surface is significantly warmer than the air above it, causing light rays to bend upwards. It is commonly observed over hot surfaces like deserts or paved roads.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-006533
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoSinking; Stooping; Superior mirage; Towering; Looming
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-006533",
  "term": "Inferior mirage",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "An optical phenomenon where distant objects appear to be displaced downwards and inverted, as if reflected in a pool of water. This occurs when the air near the ground or water surface is significantly warmer than the air above it, causing light rays to bend upwards. It is commonly observed over hot surfaces like deserts or paved roads.",
  "see_also": [
    "sinking",
    "stooping",
    "superior mirage",
    "towering",
    "looming"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/inferior-mirage/"
}

Record 4,906 of 10,703 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.