what is the science behind the reflecting appearance of tarmac roads during the day when there is intence sunlight

Question: what is the science behind the reflecting appearance of tarmac roads during the day when there is intence sunlight
- Keywords:
  tarmac
Asked by very20fen to Arnold, Edna, Elkana, Gliday, Jacinta, Michael, Mike, Mmboyi, Sally on 17 Jul 2025.
- Michael Kimwele answered on 17 Jul 2025:
  
  The reflective appearance of tarmac roads on sunny days, often described as looking like wet patches or puddles, is a mirage caused by the bending of light due to temperature differences in the air. This occurs when the road surface is significantly hotter than the air above it, causing the air closest to the road to be less dense. This density gradient bends light rays, creating an illusion of reflection from a surface that isn’t actually there.

Question: what is the science behind the reflecting appearance of tarmac roads during the day when there is intence sunlight