Science & Nature - Atmospheric refraction: stretching and elevating distant objects

While mirages produce secondary or inverted reflections of distant objects, other atmospheric refraction phenomena alter appearances without creating separate images. Known as looming, towering, stooping, and sinking, these effects occur when light bends through varying atmospheric layers. Depending on atmospheric conditions, objects on the horizon can appear unnaturally elevated, lowered, stretched upward, or vertically compressed. Different parts of an object can even be altered simultaneously, occasionally combining with true mirages to transform the shape of distant coastlines and vessels.

Source: Wikipedia