The measure of how much light or radiation is reflected by a surface, expressed as a fraction or percentage. High albedo surfaces like snow and ice reflect most incoming solar energy, while low albedo surfaces like forests and oceans absorb more energy.
From Latin 'albedo' meaning 'whiteness,' derived from 'albus' meaning 'white.' The term was introduced to astronomy and climatology in the 1800s to describe the reflective properties of celestial bodies and Earth's surfaces.
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