Light reflection by traffic light after rain

[blumfeld0]

Hi. I need to write up a short one paragraph on a picture I took-- I just need hints or suggestions so I can go and research the effect myself. Any insights would be greatly appreciated.


I have a picture of a traffic light (red). The ground is wet after rain. The red light is smeared out all over the ground. Hope this makes sense.
Here is a similar picture I found online.
http://blog.nj.com/ledgerupdates_impact/2008/09/large_02gustavek.jpg

Can someone explain this phenomena?

Thank you.

 

[turbo]

Here's a hint. What optical properties would the street have to have in order for you to see a non-smeared image of the light?

 

[blumfeld0]

Hum. Are you trying to get me to think about the difference between diffuse reflection-irregularities and impurities in the road- and regular
reflection. I know Theta incidence = theta reflection.
The water acts like a mirror? or lens? and create an inverted image right?
I could get be wrong here.