Bob Schwartz

Bob: The mountaintops have disappeared this morning.

Coyote: No. The clouds are hanging low.

AI:

There are a few reasons why mountaintops may appear to disappear:
• Distance and perspective – As you get farther away from a mountain, the tops will seem to shrink and fade into the sky/horizon. What was once a distinct peak may blend in from a distance.
• Weather conditions – Low-hanging clouds, fog, haze or heavy precipitation can obscure mountain peaks from view by blocking line of sight. This is a temporary effect that depends on the weather.
• Time of day – As the sun’s angle changes throughout the day, shadows are cast differently on mountainsides. Late in the day with a low sun, peaks may be silhouetted or washed out compared to midday when shadows are shorter.
• Seasons – Winter snowcaps or foliage changes can alter how distinct mountain tops appear from season to season when viewed from afar. Bare trees in winter may make peaks more prominent.
• Air pollution – On hazy or smoggy days, atmospheric particles can scatter light in a way that washes out color and detail over long view distances. This can make mountains seem less sharp or well-defined.
So in summary – distance, weather, sunlight and pollution can all contribute to an optical illusion where mountain peaks seem to blend into their surroundings and temporarily “disappear” under certain viewing conditions. Their disappearance is usually not literal.

Bob: I trust you Coyote because of your reputation for wisdom and because of your singing voice. I trust AI as far as I can throw them (preferred pronoun). They make things up, you know. And “appear to disappear” seems a failed attempt at poetry.

Coyote: Why don’t you climb the mountains and check it out for yourself?

Bob: It’s too early, I haven’t had coffee, and I don’t climb mountains.

Coyote: Just wait.

Bob: Oh, there are the mountaintops after all!

AI: Low-hanging clouds, fog, haze or heavy precipitation can obscure mountain peaks from view by blocking line of sight. This is a temporary effect. I told you so.

© 2023 by Bob Schwartz