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What sometimes causes tiny bow waves to race across puddles after a heavy downpour?

Sometimes, after a heavy rainfall, while watching a puddle to see if there are still raindrops falling in it, I see a tiny bow wave racing across the puddle as if caused by a flea in a speedboat. What causes this?

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Jon-Richfield status says:

Hard to say from the description. One possibility is a "cat's paw" of wind, a tiny little vortex. Another possibility is a local source of something oily or detergent-like that affects the surface tension of the fresh, clean water. Some beetles actually seem to use such materials for propulsion across water!

But sorry, I am afraid we might need more detailed information. Maybe someone in your area might have a better idea.

 

Cheers,

Jon

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posted on 2010-02-04 18:01:19 | Report abuse


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merlin-from-cardiff says:

As Jon says, without more information we're just guessing but that's part of the fun.  So my guess: vibrations from passing traffic, made directional by the shape of the ground under the puddle.  The traffic could be vehicular or animal, including you.

 

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posted on 2010-02-04 18:17:46 | Report abuse


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