What optical phenomenon can result from temperature inversions?

The phenomenon that often results from temperature inversions is known as a Fata Morgana. This occurs when a layer of warm air traps cooler air near the surface, creating unusual and distorted images of objects located far away. This refraction of light can lead to the appearance of objects that are not actually present, or can significantly alter the shape and position of real objects, making them seem elongated or stacked.

Fata Morgana is particularly intriguing because it can appear over large bodies of water or flat landscapes, where the conditions for refraction are optimal. The result is a mirage that can include objects appearing elevated above the horizon, providing a mesmerizing visual experience that is a direct consequence of these specific atmospheric conditions.

In contrast, other options represent different types of optical phenomena. An inferior mirage occurs when the horizon appears distorted due to cold ground temperatures, creating an illusion of water on the surface. A superior mirage is similar but occurs when cold air at ground level is capped by warmer air, allowing for the bending of light from below the horizon upward. The green flash is a brief optical phenomenon seen just before sunrise or sunset, not directly related to temperature inversions. Each of these phenomena involves specific conditions of temperature and refraction but is distinct