In polar regions, snow and ice cover reflect much more of the solar radiation, resulting in which albedo effect?

• A. Low albedo
• B. Moderate albedo
• C. High albedo
• D. Zero albedo

Answer: (C)

The key idea is reflectivity: albedo is the fraction of incoming solar radiation that a surface reflects. Snow and ice are very reflective, so they have a high albedo. Fresh snow can reflect most of the sunlight (roughly 80–90%), meaning a large portion of solar energy isn’t absorbed. In polar regions, extensive snow and ice coverage increases the overall reflectivity, producing a high albedo effect that helps keep the surface cooler. This is in contrast to darker surfaces that absorb more heat (lower albedo) and to complete absorption (zero albedo), which don’t fit the situation described.