a weary traveler in dusty clothes reaches eagerly toward what appears to be a crystal-clear lake with palm trees. His hands stretch forward as if he could touch the cool water that seems so real and inviting. As he moves closer, the shimmering water begins to fade and distort like heat waves. The beautiful oasis dissolves into empty sand dunes and scattered rocks where nothing actually exists. Other travelers behind him point and shake their heads knowingly at the desert mirage. Some cover their eyes from the bright sun that creates the wavering heat effect. a false image that appears real but does not actually exist