Roads freeze quickly when they are:
Answers
Flat.
Curvy.
In the sun.
Shaded.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is :
The correct answer is Shaded.
Explanation:
Roads freeze more quickly when they are shaded because of the absence of direct sunlight. Sunlight provides warmth, even in cold conditions, and can delay or prevent freezing by slightly raising the road surface temperature. In shaded areas, such as those covered by trees, buildings, or hills, the lack of sunlight means these surfaces stay colder for longer periods, increasing the likelihood of freezing.
- Heat Absorption and Retention:
Roads absorb heat during the day from both the sun and the ambient air. This heat is slowly released back into the atmosphere. In shaded areas, roads do not receive sunlight to absorb heat, so they start off colder and lose heat more quickly, leading to freezing. - Frost Formation:
When the temperature drops below freezing, moisture in the air condenses and forms frost on surfaces. Shaded areas are often colder than sunny spots, so frost and ice are more likely to form and remain in these locations. - Dew Point and Freezing:
Moisture on the road surface will freeze when the surface temperature reaches 32°F (0°C) or below. In shaded areas, road temperatures often drop to or remain below freezing sooner than in sunny areas, allowing ice to form quickly. - Dangerous Conditions:
Shaded areas can create “black ice,” a thin, transparent layer of ice that is difficult to see but very slippery. Drivers and pedestrians may not recognize the hazard until they encounter it. - Seasonal Variability:
During winter, the angle of the sun is lower, further reducing the amount of sunlight that shaded areas receive. This prolongs freezing conditions and increases risks.
Understanding this principle helps in winter road safety, encouraging extra caution in shaded areas where freezing occurs faster.