How much light does snow on ice reflect?

Snow on ice has a high albedo, meaning it reflects a significant percentage of incoming solar radiation. This high reflectivity is primarily due to the structure of snowflakes and the way they scatter light. The reflection rate can vary depending on the age and condition of the snow, but fresh, well-formed snow typically reflects around 90% of the light that hits it. This property is essential in understanding surface characteristics and energy balance in cold environments, as it influences both albedo effects and the melting processes of ice beneath the snow. The selection of 90% reflects this general understanding of how snow interacts with light, especially compared to the reflection rates of other surfaces like water or soil, which tend to absorb more light.