What do altitude changes caused by refraction affect?

Altitude changes caused by refraction primarily affect true altitude readings because refraction alters the path of light as it passes through different layers of the atmosphere, which can lead to discrepancies in how high an object appears versus its actual altitude. When light refracts, it can bend towards or away from the observer's line of sight, changing the perceived position of the object without changing its real position in space.

This phenomenon is particularly important for surveyors and others who rely on accurate measurements of altitude, as misinterpretation can lead to significant errors in data collection and analysis. Understanding how atmospheric conditions distort light is essential for achieving correct true altitude estimations, allowing surveyors to make informed decisions and adjustments based on real-world observations.

Other options, such as the perception of distance or observational accuracy in general, may be indirectly influenced by these changes but do not directly relate to the specific aspect of actual altitude readings being affected by refraction.