Previous Year Question
Which one of the following reflects back more sunlight as compared to other three?
A.
Sand desert
B.
Paddy crop land
C.
Land covered with fresh snow
D.
Prairie land
Correct Answer: C
Detailed Solution
Albedo is the fraction of incoming solar radiation reflected by a surface. A surface with a higher albedo reflects more solar energy.
Fresh and clean snow has a very high albedo and may reflect approximately 80–90% of the incoming solar energy.
A sand desert can have a relatively high albedo, but it remains considerably lower than that of fresh snow.
Water, soil and vegetation present in paddy cropland and prairie land absorb a larger proportion of incoming solar radiation.
Snow ageing, melting, or the accumulation of dust and soot reduces its albedo. Therefore, the specification fresh snow is important.