The fraction of sunlight reflected by a surface. Snow has high albedo (~0.8); ocean and forests have low albedo (~0.1).
climateWhat is Albedo?
Albedo affects local and global climate by determining how much solar energy is absorbed versus reflected. Dark surfaces (oceans, forests) absorb more heat; light surfaces (clouds, ice, sand) reflect more. Deforestation in Southeast Asia reduces albedo slightly but the dominant climate effect is from changed evapotranspiration and rainfall patterns rather than albedo change.
Key points
- The fraction of sunlight reflected by a surface. Snow has high albedo (~0.8); ocean and forests have low albedo (~0.1).
- Category: climate
Related terms
See also: albedo is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.