Question

energy and temps: energy - balance essentials
with respect to the surface of water, which characteristic would produce higher reflection of light?
deeper water
saltier water
lower light angle
smoother water surface

Explanation:

The reflection of light from the water - surface is affected by the angle of incidence. According to the law of reflection and the concept of the Fresnel equations, as the light angle (angle of incidence) gets lower (closer to grazing - incidence), the amount of light reflected increases. Depth and salinity of water mainly affect light absorption and scattering rather than reflection at the surface in a direct way. A smoother water surface affects the specularity of the reflection but not the overall amount of reflection as much as the light - angle does for a given surface condition.

Answer:

lower light angle