Question

station 6: albedo
activity 1: albedo simulation
analysis:
a. define albedo.
b. identify the earths overall average albedo?
c. identify which surface has the highest albedo?
d. identify which surface has the lowest albedo?
e. identify which surfaces albedo is the closest to the earths average albedo?
f. describe how earths temperature would change if the overall albedo was higher?
g. the simulation assumes there is no atmosphere. are there any surfaces that could maintain a \livable\ temperature alone?

Explanation:

A. Albedo is the measure of the reflectivity of a surface, expressed as the ratio of reflected to incident electromagnetic radiation.
B. The Earth's overall average albedo is about 0.3 (or 30%), meaning about 30% of the Sun's incoming radiation is reflected back into space.
C. Fresh snow has one of the highest albedos, often around 0.8 - 0.9, reflecting a large portion of the incident sunlight.
D. Dark - colored surfaces like asphalt or dark soil have low albedos, typically around 0.05 - 0.15, absorbing most of the incident sunlight.
E. Clouds have an albedo that can be close to the Earth's average albedo. Their albedo can range from about 0.2 - 0.7 depending on cloud type and thickness.
F. If the Earth's overall albedo was higher, more sunlight would be reflected back into space, leading to a cooling of the Earth's surface as less solar energy would be absorbed.
G. Without an atmosphere, most surfaces would not be able to maintain a "livable" temperature on their own. However, some surfaces with moderate albedos might experience less extreme temperature changes compared to very high - or very low - albedo surfaces, but none would likely support life as we know it without an atmosphere's insulating and other life - supporting properties.

Answer:

A. Albedo is the ratio of reflected to incident electromagnetic radiation, measuring a surface's reflectivity.
B. About 0.3 (or 30%)
C. Fresh snow
D. Dark - colored surfaces like asphalt or dark soil
E. Clouds
F. The Earth's surface would cool as more sunlight is reflected and less is absorbed.
G. No, most surfaces would not be able to maintain a "livable" temperature without an atmosphere.