When sunlight encounters tiny particles in the air, the particles both absorb and scatter the oncoming light. This absorption and scattering of light degrades the color, clarity and contrast of the view, and causes the distance that we can see to be limited. Descriptively, we call this phenomenon "haze."

For a detailed description of the science of haze, go to Introduction to Visibility, (79 page pdf file).

For general information about regional haze monitoring and visualization techniques, go to "Visibility Monitoring and Visualization, prepared by John V. Molenar, Air Resource Specialists, Inc.", (88 slides---Power Point presentation).