The picture below was taken by Wendy Freedman. Notice how scattering by atmospheric molecules tends to whiten distant objects. Notice also that the lake acts like a mirror in that you can see the reflection of the trees, mountains and sky. As your viewing angle decreases you no longer see reflections, but the light from the bottom of the lake (see the rocks in the foreground) is transmitted through. Notice also the tree line on the mountain, above which no trees grow. This occurs at an elevation of approximately 10,000 feet.

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