Meteorology · Optical — Mirage / Looming
Superior mirage effects such as 'looming' (objects appearing raised or visible beyond the normal horizon) are caused by:
- AA full moon
- BStrong winds only
- CHeavy rain
- DA temperature inversion bending light downward, when warm air overlies cold air/water✓ Correct
Explanation
When warm air lies over colder air/water (an inversion), light rays curve downward, raising or stretching distant objects (looming, towering) and sometimes showing objects beyond the geometric horizon. Such abnormal refraction can make ranges and bearings of distant objects unreliable.
Authority: Bowditch (Pub. No. 9), Atmospheric Refraction
Practice the full Meteorology bank
Free spaced-repetition quizzing across 2550 USCG exam questions — it schedules your reviews so the ones you miss come back until they stick.
Related Meteorology questions
- Atmosphere & Pressure
Standard atmospheric pressure at sea level is approximately:
- Atmosphere & Pressure
One millibar (mb) is equal to:
- Atmosphere & Pressure
A barometer that is falling rapidly most likely indicates:
- Atmosphere & Pressure
On a surface weather chart, isobars spaced very close together indicate:
- Wind
By convention, a wind is named for:
- Wind
In the Northern Hemisphere, the Coriolis effect deflects moving air: