Which component of soil makes the air above the soil in a farmland shimmer on a hot summer day ?

Answer

To answer the question, "Which component of soil makes the air above the soil in a farmland shimmer on a hot summer day?", we can break down the explanation into clear steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Soil Composition**:
- Soil is made up of various components, including mineral particles, organic matter, water, and air.

2. **Role of Water in Soil**:
- When soil absorbs water, it retains moisture. This water is essential for plant growth and soil health.

3. **Effect of Temperature**:
- On a hot summer day, the temperature rises significantly. This increase in temperature causes the water present in the soil to evaporate.

4. **Evaporation Process**:
- The water in the soil turns into water vapor due to the heat. This process is known as evaporation.

5. **Light Reflection**:
- As the water vapor rises and mixes with the air, sunlight hits these water vapor particles. The rays of sunlight reflect off the water vapor.

6. **Perception of Shimmering**:
- When the sunlight reflects off the water vapor, it creates a shimmering effect in the air above the farmland. This is perceived as a shiny or glimmering appearance.

7. **Conclusion**:
- Therefore, the component of soil that makes the air above it shimmer on a hot summer day is **water**, specifically in its vapor form.