Final answer:
Surfaced roads are paved and provide a smooth and durable surface for vehicles, enhancing travel speed and comfort, while unsurfaced roads are natural earth roads more prone to wear and require more maintenance.
Step-by-step explanation:
The difference between surfaced and unsurfaced roads can be seen in their construction, maintenance, and their effect on transportation. Surfaced roads are typically paved with materials such as asphalt or concrete, offering a smooth and durable surface for vehicles to travel on. In contrast, unsurfaced roads, also known as dirt roads or gravel roads, have no such top layer; they are composed of natural earth materials and are more susceptible to wear and weather conditions. Surfact roads generally provide a more comfortable and faster travel experience, with reduced vehicle wear and tear. Unsurfaced roads, however, are cheaper to construct but can be rough, potentially hazardous during poor weather, and require more frequent maintenance as they deteriorate more quickly.
For example, in regions such as deserts where the soil is firm, unsurfaced roads might be straight due to the less challenging terrain. In contrast, surfaced roads can efficiently traverse diverse terrains, including mountainous areas. Moreover, the long-distance roads that cross various landscapes highlight the difference in travel time due to the condition of the roads—surfaced roads facilitate quicker travel between cities, while unsurfaced roads slow it down, often significantly.