Figure 8.29: Depth perception created by light and shade Because we automatically assume that the light is coming from above, we see the smaller disruptions on the surface here as bumps and the larger ones as pits. Turn the picture upside down and see what happens. (The bumps and pits reverse.)
Vilayanur S. Ramachandran & Diane Rogers-Ramachandran. Reproduced with permission. Copyright © (2004) Scientific American, Inc. All rights reserved.