Which of the following surfaces has a high albedo effect?

The correct answer is snow and ice because these surfaces have a high albedo effect, meaning they reflect a significant portion of incoming sunlight back into the atmosphere rather than absorbing it. Albedo is a measure of how much light that hits a surface is reflected without being absorbed. Snow and ice, due to their light color, reflect around 70-90% of sunlight, which greatly influences the Earth's energy balance and helps regulate temperature.

In contrast, dark soil has a low albedo because it absorbs most of the sunlight, which contributes to warming the surface. Vegetation also tends to have a lower albedo effect, although it can vary based on the type and density of the plants; generally, it reflects less sunlight compared to snow and ice. Water bodies typically exhibit an albedo effect that is moderate but can vary depending on factors such as surface angle and conditions, often absorbing significant sunlight, particularly when the water is deep and calm. Thus, snow and ice stand out distinctly due to their high reflective capacity, making them the correct choice in this context.