The albedo of the Earth system has been determined to be ________ percent.
A) 2
B) 5
C) 15
D) 27
E) 33

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The albedo of the Earth system has been determined to be approximately 30 to 35 percent, with a commonly cited average of around 31 percent, making option E (33 percent) the closest choice. Albedo refers to the fraction of solar energy (shortwave radiation) reflected from the Earth back into space. It is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed. Earth's average albedo is influenced by cloud cover, ice, snow, and other reflective surfaces.

The Albedo of the Earth System Has Been Determined to Be