The phenomenon that causes an object to appear displaced when viewed through water is known as refraction. This occurs when light waves change speed as they pass from air into water, bending the light and altering the perceived position of the object. The extent of this shift depends on the angle at which the light enters the water and the different indices of refraction for air and water. Thus, objects submerged appear closer to the surface and are distorted due to this bending of light.