Infographic
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%
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%
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%
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