Explain the Formation of a Mirage

Q. Explain the formation of a mirage.

Ans. The formation of mirage is subject to the concept of refraction of light in the subject of physics. This is predominantly true with respect to the particle nature of light and finds little or no usage when considered in terms of wave nature. 

As soon as sunlight falls on the distant areas and the atmosphere is warmed up beyond a certain limit, it feels like the place is nearby while there is nothing to be found in reality. Though this attribute is closely attached to the peculiar scenes in desert areas, mirages can occur anywhere and at any time of the day. The only prerequisite is that the surface temperature and the air above the concerned area should be warm enough to facilitate optimum levels of refraction. 

When travelling on highways, at times, people can see the water from a distance when the road is quite bulgy in the front. When they actually reach that place, the water seems to have disappeared. This also serves as a relevant example of refraction in terms of a mirage. 

As far as the formation of a mirage, in reality, is concerned, it is a pseudo phenomenon. This means that there is no actual creation of mirage on the ground, but it appears from a distance that there is something there. It is a widely debated contention that a mirage is a reflection of the outer atmosphere. Many physicists have given theories in the same context and rightly proved that a mirage occurs only due to refraction, and reflection has nothing to do with this concept. However, it may find usage in other important natural occurrences.

It is not wrong to consider the mirage as an optical illusion in desert areas. Oasis is also considered to be a relevant example of this phenomenon.