How does Heat cause heat distortions, like you see in deserts and such?

Question

Title says it all basically.

Thanks for the amazing answers

In: Earth Science

Answer 1

Refraction varies with temperature. Air close to the ground will be hot and at a lower density than air just above it. These differences lead to differences in the speed of light so light bends as it moves through these layers. Light from the sky bends back up toward your eyes so parts of the ground look blue.