A fata morgana refers to which optical phenomenon?

A fata morgana is indeed characterized by segmented reflections of an image due to temperature inversion. This optical phenomenon typically occurs over the horizon or water where different layers of air at various temperatures create a refraction of light. The result is a distorted, elongated and often stacked appearance of objects, making them appear to be in multiple places at once.

Factors such as atmospheric conditions, particularly the presence of warm air over cooler air, facilitate this type of mirage. As light passes through these layers, it bends and can create an optical illusion that changes frequently, leading to fascinating visual effects, especially in coastal and polar regions.

The other choices describe aspects of optical phenomena but do not accurately capture the specific nature of a fata morgana. For instance, while an inverted image or reflections in different temperature layers can relate to mirages, they do not adequately define the complex and segmented nature of a fata morgana.