Concept:
A mirage is an optical illusion commonly observed on hot roads or deserts.
Step 1: On a hot day, air near the ground becomes hotter and rarer than the air above it.
Step 2: Due to this variation in density, refractive index of air changes continuously with height.
Step 3: Light rays bend gradually while passing through layers of air having different refractive indices.
Step 4: At a certain condition, light undergoes total internal reflection.
Step 5: The reflected light appears to come from the ground, creating the illusion of water.
\[
\boxed{\text{Total internal reflection}}
\]