Graphic
Surface albedo
Reflectivity, also known as albedo, ranges from 0 to 100%. Highly reflective surfaces have an albedo closer to 100% while surfaces that absorb sunlight have an albedo closer to zero.
SURFACE ALBEDO, THE PERCENTAGE OF SUNLIGHT REFLECTED
100%
More reflective
Fresh snow
85%
Less reflective
White paint
50-90%
Desert sand
40%
Green grass
25%
Trees
15%
Bare soil
17%
Worn asphalt
12%
Open ocean
6%
0%
Sources: Petrov M, Industry 4.0 (2022); Duhis AH et al., IJPEDS (2023)
SURFACE ALBEDO, THE PERCENTAGE OF SUNLIGHT REFLECTED
Less reflective
More reflective
Open ocean
6%
Bare soil
17%
Green grass
25%
White paint
50-90%
0%
100%
Worn asphalt
12%
Trees
15%
Desert sand
40%
Fresh snow
85%
Sources: Petrov M, Industry 4.0 (2022); Duhis AH et al., IJPEDS (2023)
Surface albedo
Different types of surfaces reflect different proportions of sunlight. Reflectivity, also known as albedo, ranges from 0 to 100%. Highly reflective surfaces have an albedo closer to 100% while surfaces that absorb sunlight have an albedo closer to zero.
SURFACE ALBEDO, THE PERCENTAGE OF SUNLIGHT REFLECTED
Less reflective
More reflective
Open ocean
6%
Bare soil
17%
Green grass
25%
White paint
50-90%
0%
100%
Worn asphalt
12%
Trees
15%
Desert sand
40%
Fresh snow
85%
Sources: Petrov M, Industry 4.0 (2022); Duhis AH et al., IJPEDS (2023)
