Albedo is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed. Something that appears white reflects most of the light that hits it and has a high albedo, while something that looks dark absorbs most of the light that hits it, indicating a low albedo.
It is the reflection of a certain area of earth, like snow and mountains, on the surface.
For example, the albedo of snow covered mountains hurts the eyes.
Material
|
Albedo values (% reflected)
|
Fresh snow
|
80% - 95%
|
Light roof
|
35% - 50%
|
Grass
|
25% - 30%
|
Bricks and stone
|
20% - 40%
|
Concrete dry
|
17% – 27%
|
Water bodies
|
10% - 60%
|
Forest
|
10% - 20%
|
Crops and grassland
|
10% - 25%
|
Dark roof
|
8% - 18%
|
Asphalt
|
5% - 10%
|
Earth’s albedo (average)
|
31%
|
