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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.
Much of this radiation is absorbed by the Earth's surface and re-emitted as invisible heat rays. Just as a hot pavement radiates heat as it is warmed by the sun, the Earth's surface radiates heat back to the atmosphere. If incoming solar radiation is 100 units: 16 units are absorbed by dust, water and ozone;