Mirages
are commonly seen on the horizon in the winter or as in this case at the
end of winter when the sea-ice has just broken up. They are a result of
temperature differences in the bottom few metres just above the ice or sea
surface. Air of different temperatures refracts light in different ways,
the same phenomena is responsible for "heat haze" as seen above
a road on a very hot day. It is the difference in temperature that is
important and in this case it is causing a reflection downwards just
above the level of the horizon so that objects on the horizon appear to be
floating above the sea or ice rather than resting on it.
Paul
Ward - Pentax equipment, 200mm lens, 35mm film, K64.
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