Naked Science Forum
General Science => General Science => Topic started by: TerOFla on 16/01/2014 21:26:19
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Question:
Why do the sounds of traffic appear to be amplified when the streets are wet, as after a rainstorm? Is it because of the less-porous nature of the street due to micro- and macro-puddles, or due to something else?
Thank you!
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so far no thoughts on this... so here are some things to think about, perhaps.
(to do with birdsong, but perhaps the same principle?)
http://blog.timesunion.com/birding/do-birds-sing-louder-in-the-rain/1365/
(having to do with airplane noise, but maybe this also applies?)
http://www.quora.com/Why-do-airplanes-sound-louder-when-it-rains-or-is-cloudy
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I hadn't really noticed the difference myself. Hunters often comment that moist, rainy days are quieter for walking through the woods than dry days and dry leaves on the ground.
On asphalt, you would get both your primary road noise, plus a secondary noise from the spray & splashes. The water may give some cushioning, but it may also create a seal which would be noisier when broken.
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Interesting about walking in the forest in the rain. I had not considered that, and being a city-dweller, I am mostly out walking in the city - in the rain.
Perhaps one reason is indeed the added splashes, tiny though they may be, which makes the overall sound appear louder.
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I've noticed that cars generally drive much slower when it's wet or rainy than a sunnier day, perhaps the added noise is to do with a longer exposure rather than any more pronounced effect.