How does low albedo impact the Earth's temperature?

Prepare for the GARP Sustainability and Climate Risk Exam. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question includes hints and explanations. Gear up for success with our materials!

Low albedo refers to a surface's ability to reflect sunlight. Surfaces with low albedo, such as forests, oceans, and dark soil, absorb a significant amount of solar energy rather than reflecting it back into space. This absorption leads to an increase in the temperature of those surfaces as well as the surrounding areas.

When a surface absorbs more solar energy due to low albedo, it contributes to warming of the Earth. This effect can have broader implications for climate patterns and weather systems, as increased temperatures can lead to changes in atmospheric circulation, melting of ice, and other climate-related changes.

In contrast, high albedo surfaces, like ice and snow, reflect sunlight effectively, resulting in less heat absorption. Therefore, the choice indicating that low albedo contributes to higher absorption of solar energy accurately captures the relationship between albedo and Earth's temperature.

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