reflectivity articles

What is the formal term for the measure of reflectivity that dictates how much solar energy bounces back into space versus how much is absorbed?

What is the formal term for the measure of reflectivity that dictates how much solar energy bounces back into space versus how much is absorbed?

What is the approximate average planetary albedo for the Earth as a whole, indicating the fraction of sunlight reflected?

What is the approximate average planetary albedo for the Earth as a whole, indicating the fraction of sunlight reflected?

In its mathematical definition, what value signifies a perfect reflector that bounces back every photon it receives?

In its mathematical definition, what value signifies a perfect reflector that bounces back every photon it receives?

Which surface type typically exhibits a high albedo (0.80 to 0.90) and is strongly associated with a cooling effect?

Which surface type typically exhibits a high albedo (0.80 to 0.90) and is strongly associated with a cooling effect?

What is the primary thermal consequence for surfaces that have a very low albedo, such as the open ocean?

What is the primary thermal consequence for surfaces that have a very low albedo, such as the open ocean?

What dynamic element must scientists track continuously, beyond intrinsic material properties, to understand Land Surface Albedo (LSA)?

What dynamic element must scientists track continuously, beyond intrinsic material properties, to understand Land Surface Albedo (LSA)?

How is the measurement of changing surface conditions like Land Surface Albedo (LSA) primarily achieved today?

How is the measurement of changing surface conditions like Land Surface Albedo (LSA) primarily achieved today?

When ice or snow melts, exposing darker surfaces like open ocean water (albedo ~0.03), what powerful cycle is triggered?

When ice or snow melts, exposing darker surfaces like open ocean water (albedo ~0.03), what powerful cycle is triggered?

What crucial detail about albedo measurements must scientists consider when modeling the Earth's total energy budget?

What crucial detail about albedo measurements must scientists consider when modeling the Earth's total energy budget?

What is the practical local application of increasing albedo in built environments, such as using light-colored roofing?

What is the practical local application of increasing albedo in built environments, such as using light-colored roofing?

If a change in surface properties leads to a net increase in warming by reducing overall reflectivity, what type of climate feedback is this considered?

If a change in surface properties leads to a net increase in warming by reducing overall reflectivity, what type of climate feedback is this considered?

What scientific measure quantifies how much sunlight a surface reflects compared to how much it receives?

What scientific measure quantifies how much sunlight a surface reflects compared to how much it receives?

What is the approximate average albedo for the entire Earth?

What is the approximate average albedo for the entire Earth?

How do surfaces with high albedo values affect surface temperature?

How do surfaces with high albedo values affect surface temperature?

Which natural surface is often cited as the single most reflective available on Earth?

Which natural surface is often cited as the single most reflective available on Earth?

What happens to the albedo of snowpack as it becomes dirty or wet?

What happens to the albedo of snowpack as it becomes dirty or wet?

What surface can exhibit an albedo as low as 0.06?

What surface can exhibit an albedo as low as 0.06?

What is the typical range for the albedo values of clouds?

What is the typical range for the albedo values of clouds?

Why do plants appear green based on visible light interaction?

Why do plants appear green based on visible light interaction?

What is the term for the planetary control on Earth's temperature stability managed by sunlight reflection?

What is the term for the planetary control on Earth's temperature stability managed by sunlight reflection?

On the albedo scale, what value represents a surface that is a perfect absorber?

On the albedo scale, what value represents a surface that is a perfect absorber?