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The balance between energy absorbed by the earth and energy reflected back into space is fundamental in determining how warm or cool the planet becomes. The proportion of radiation reflected away by a surface is called its albedo. Albedo can range between 0 (no reflectance) and 1 (complete reflectanceâlike a mirror). The earthâs average albedo is .31, which means that, overall, the planet reflects about 31% of incoming solar radiation back into space.
About 51% of solar energy reaching the earth is absorbed by the Earth's surface. Incoming solar radiation: 100% Reflected by the atmosphere: 6% : Absorbed by â¦ the atmosphere: 16% Continuing incoming solar radiation: 78% Reflected by clouds: 20% : Absorbed by clouds: 3% Continuing incoming solar radiation: 55% Reflected by the earth's surface: 4% : Absorbed by the earth's surface (lands and oceans): 51% (Source: NASA.)